Jo Rzymowska will step down as Celebrity Cruises EMEA vice-president and managing director in June 2023.
Rzymowska began her cruise career in 2005 as UK and Ireland sales and marketing director for Royal Caribbean Group.
She joined Celebrity Cruises in 2015 as UK & Ireland VP and MD, before being tasked with overseeing all of the EMEA region for the brand in 2019.
During her time in the industry, Rzymowska launched numerous ships, including Legend of the Seas – the first UK-based Royal Caribbean ship – and, most recently, Celebrity Beyond in Southampton this year.
A statement added that Celebrity’s business in the region has nearly doubled during Rzymowska’s tenure, and she also oversaw the brand’s elevation into the luxury market.
Rzymowska also served on the CLIA UK & Ireland board for many years, including as board chair from 2011-2013.
Rzymowska said she intends to continue her passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion, in particular advocating for both women and the LGBT+ community, and lending her expertise to other causes.
‘The right time to hand over’
Rzymowska said: “I have loved every minute of my 18 years with the Royal Caribbean Group. I have had the honour to lead an incredible team whose passion and commitment to the business is unwavering.
“I know this team will continue to go from strength to strength, as Celebrity Cruises grows in the region. I remain 100 per cent committed to the business as I work through the transition plans with the team.
“The time is simply now right for me to hand over the mantle.”
Rzymowska added: “I am particularly grateful to our president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo for her unwavering support of my long and fulfilling career here, along with our group CEO Jason Liberty and the strong collaboration from the entire executive leadership team.”
Lutoff-Perlo said: “I have had the good fortune to know Jo for many years and it has been incredibly rewarding to work hand-in-hand with her to build the Celebrity brand together in this region.
“She is irreplaceable in so many ways and I will miss her terribly when the time comes. For now, I look forward to continuing to work with her through this transition period.
“With the strong team and strategic foundation in place throughout the UK and EMEA, I know that Celebrity Cruises has an incredible future and will continue to reach new heights.”
Rzymowska was the winner of the inaugural Women in Cruise Award at the Wave Awards 2022.