Antonio Paradiso, UK and Ireland managing director of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, has been appointed vice president of international sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division

MSC said the decision comes in recognition of the continued growth and success of the UK and Irish market.

The newly created headquarters role sees Paradiso reporting to Gianni Onorato, chief exeuctive of MSC Cruises, assuming responsibility for Australia, South Africa and Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland).

He will also continue to serve as managing director of the UK and Irish markets for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Paradiso ‘proud’ to further contribute to MSC Cruises’ ‘global success’

“I would like to thank the MSC Group for putting their trust in me with this new position,” said Paradiso.

“I have worked for MSC for 16 years and have been on an incredible journey of growth within the organisation as I have progressed through the business.”

MSC’s country managers of Scandinavia, Claes Tamm; Australia and New Zealand, Lisa Teiotu; and South Africa, Ross Volk; will report to Paradiso.

Paradiso joined the line in 2008 as commercial manager for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Earlier this week, MSC cancelled three repositioning voyages in April from South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Europe because of the risk to shipping in the Red Sea.