Cruise & Cruise Line

Celestyal Promotes Two Senior Executives

Image: PHOTO: Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Crystal in Havana harbor. (photo by Brian Major)
Image: PHOTO: Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Crystal in Havana harbor. (photo by Brian Major)
by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 6:18 PM ET, Mon August 6, 2018

Celestyal Cruises has announced two senior leadership promotions. Based in Greece, the line operates in the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. In July, it moved Chris Theophilides from the COO position to CEO.

Newly promoted are Leslie Peden, who will take over as Chief Commercial Officer. Peden will oversee all global commercial activities for the line, including strategic business development, marketing and commercial PR.

Additionally, Captain George Koumpenas will become Chief Operations Officer. He will continue his supervisory role over operations, plus add day-to-day oversight responsibilities for operations in the Piraeus office.

In light of the new executive changes, Celestyal has updated its executive committee. That body now consists of Koumpenas, Peden, Theophilides and CFO Marios Theodosiou.

"All of the activities we've undertaken since the latter part of 2017 are core to the commercial transformation we need to make to continue building our global brand," said Theophilides. "I am confident that through the collective efforts of the entire Celestyal team we will continue to deliver our outstanding product to more and more people around the world."

Celestyal Cruises is Greece's primary home-port cruise operator. The line operates two mid-sized vessels, the Celestyal Crystal and the Celestyal Olympia. Celestyal focuses on providing authentic, culturally-immersive experiences on board and on shore.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Ana Figueroa

Contributing Editor-Cruise

Contributing Editor-CruiseAna Figueroa is a veteran travel industry writer based in Los Angeles. She's a former contributing editor for Travel Agent Magazine; senior and cruise editor for TravelAge West; and tourism expert for About.com. She previously served as a staff reporter for Newsweek and as a freelancer for The New York Daily News, People Magazine and other national publications. Ana holds a law degree from Stanford University, and was a corporate lawyer before heeding the call of travel.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Thursday, November 12, 2026 2:00pm EasternThursday, November 12, 2026, 2:00pm EasternJoin Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we explore the sun-drenched shores and vibrant...
Upcoming Webinar
Right Client. Right Opportunity. Right Now with Oceania CruisesFriday, November 13, 2026, 2:00pm EasternThe right opportunity is here. Join Oceania Cruises to learn how to identify high-luxury clients, turn...
Upcoming Webinar
California LuxuryTuesday, November 17, 2026, 2:00pm EasternJoin Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we explore the elevated side of California,...
Watch Now!
Thursday, November 12, 2026 2:00pm EasternThursday, November 12, 2026, 2:00pm EasternJoin Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we explore the sun-drenched shores and vibrant...
Upcoming Webinar
Right Client. Right Opportunity. Right Now with Oceania CruisesFriday, November 13, 2026, 2:00pm EasternThe right opportunity is here. Join Oceania Cruises to learn how to identify high-luxury clients, turn...
Upcoming Webinar
California LuxuryTuesday, November 17, 2026, 2:00pm EasternJoin Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse as we explore the elevated side of California,...