MSC Cruises has named Michael Ungerer as CEO of its new luxury brand.

The line signed an order with Fincantieri for four ships, the first of which will be delivered in 2023. The remaining three will come into service each year through to 2026.

Ungerer, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the cruise and luxury hospitality sectors, will report to MSC Group’s cruise business executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago.

Ungerer said: “I am immensely honoured and totally excited about the opportunity this one-of-a-kind, truly outstanding project presents. This crowns my professional career and perfectly complements my luxury hospitality and cruise industry experience.

“Furthermore, I am extremely proud of working closely with a visionary leader like Pierfrancesco Vago and an iconic shipping family that has been able to build a long-term sustainable business in a people-centred culture over many years with values which I deeply share.”

Vago added: “I am particularly pleased to make this announcement as it marks a key step forward in the set-up of the organisational structure that will lead the development of our new luxury brand. For us, this was a natural progression of the work done across our contemporary brand MSC Cruises since its inception, including with the development of our highly successful, premium ship-within-the-ship concept MSC Yacht Club.

“Central to our new luxury brand will be above all respect for the environment – with the introduction of new ground-breaking technologies – as well as innovation in both hardware and experience, two core MSC values that extend to all our business.

“To this end, Michael – whom I wish to welcome to the broader MSC family – brings to the table precious and deep industry and luxury-specific experience as well as personal and professional values that are aligned with our own.”