by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:20 PM ET, Thu May 29, 2025
Catherine Powell, the new CEO of AmaWaterways (Photo Credit: Courtesy AmaWaterways)
Just three months after being named president of AmaWaterways, Catherine Powell has been promoted to chief executive officer.
The company announced today that current chief executive officer and co-founder Rudi Schreiner will be transitioning to a new role as chairman of the board. Powell will step into her new role July 1.
“We are so excited about what we have been building—internationally with new markets, new passengers and, frankly, a whole new generation of river cruisers,” says Schreiner. “I am delighted that we are investing in the kind of leadership Catherine brings to the company. It’s a real inflection point, and I couldn't be prouder.”
Co-founder and co-owner Kristin Karst, meanwhile, will be continuing on in her role as global brand ambassador. Karst and Schreiner founded AmaWaterways in 2002, along with Jimmy Murphy.
“Rudi and I poured our hearts into building AmaWaterways—a company shaped by passion, innovation and strong personal connections,” says Karst. “I’m excited for the future and grateful to keep focusing on what I love most—nurturing the relationships with our travel partners, our guests and the local communities we visit, cultivating the shared success that comes from growing together.”
Powell spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company. More recently, she was global head of hosting at Airbnb.
“She understands the changing customer landscape and shifting consumer demand regarding how people want to travel and to experience luxury in a way that will drive the company forward, and that will meet growing expectations and the market’s demand for high-end travel experiences,” says Marc Magliacano, director of AmaWaterways and managing partner at L Catterton.
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