Lara Koslow, President, North America. (Photo Credit: Explora Journeys)
WHY IT RATES: The key appointments come at a significant time as the brand eyes its next phase of growth in the all-important North American market.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, today announced two senior appointments designed to strengthen its leadership in North America as the brand enters its next phase of growth in the region. With its fleet and destination portfolio expanding, the new structure will sharpen commercial focus, accelerate market development and deepen engagement with the travel advisor community. Lara Koslow has been appointed President, North America, while Chris Austin will take on the newly created role of President, Luxury Travel Partnerships. Together, they will position the organization to capture new growth opportunities across the region.
Koslow’s appointment is effective November 30, 2026. Based in Miami, she will report directly to Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO, North America of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, while working in close alignment with Explora Journeys Global President Anna Nash who is based at the brand’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In her new role, Koslow will lead the Explora Journeys organization in North America, spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico, across commercial management, marketing, and sales.
As part of the strengthened leadership structure, Chris Austin will assume an expanded strategic role as President, Luxury Travel Partnerships, reporting directly to Koslow. Building on his significant contribution to Explora Journeys’ growth in North America, he will continue to lead trade sales, trade marketing and trade sales support in the region and remain a key brand ambassador and spokesperson. His broader remit will cover new distribution channels and trade partnerships, including working with MSC Cruises North America to broaden distribution for MSC Yacht Club and identify synergies between the two brands.
Chris Austin, President, Luxury Travel Partnerships. (Photo Credit: Explora Journeys)
Anna Nash, Explora Journeys Global President said, “North America is fundamental to the continued growth of Explora Journeys, and as our fleet and destination portfolio expand, strengthening our leadership in this important market is a natural next step. We are thrilled to welcome Lara and congratulate Chris on his new role. Chris has played an instrumental part in driving our ambitions in North America, and we are grateful for his continued leadership and expertise. Lara’s extensive experience in driving growth across the travel, hospitality and luxury sectors will further strengthen our team as we enter this exciting next chapter.”
Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO, North America of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division said “Lara Koslow is a fantastic addition to our leadership team for Explora Journeys in North America. Her compelling capabilities and extensive experience have resulted in guiding very successful travel and leisure brands to deliver accelerated growth and outstanding guest experience. I am equally delighted that Chris Austin will now take on a new role leading luxury travel partnerships for Explora Journeys and building synergies with MSC Yacht Club. Chris’ remarkable leadership has been a key contributor to Explora Journeys' rapid growth.”
The strengthened leadership structure coincides with a significant stage in Explora Journeys’ development. Three ships are now operating and three are under construction, including two scheduled for delivery in 2027, while the brand is also preparing to expand into river cruising. Strong booking momentum is being supported by an expanding portfolio of Journeys, including Alaska in 2027, Asia in 2027/28, South America in 2028 and the World Journey in 2029. These milestones advance the long-term vision for the brand, with a fleet of six ocean ships scheduled to sail by 2028. Each new ship builds on the experience of those before it, continually refining the Explora Journeys promise of exceptional space, intuitive hospitality and transformative ocean travel.
Koslow joins Explora Journeys from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she spent more than 20 years advising leading consumer brands, particularly in the travel, hospitality and leisure sectors. Most recently, as Managing Director and Senior Partner, she led BCG's global customer business, driving significant growth and helping brands translate consumer insights into stronger customer experiences and commercial performance.
SOURCE: Explora Journeys press release.
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