HONG KONG — Genting Hong Kong has appointed travel industry veteran Tom Wolber as President & CEO of Crystal Cruises effective immediately.

Tom Wolber, President and CEO, Crystal Cruises

Wolber brings over three decades of experience in general management, operations, new-build construction and business development to Crystal during the company’s most significant expansion since its founding in 1988.

“Tom’s proven leadership skills will be invaluable to Crystal as the line takes delivery of four river ships in 2017 and 2018 as well as the first of the ‘Endeavor Class’ expedition yachts in 2019,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman of Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises. “His leadership will be key to the finalization of specifications and design for the new ‘Exclusive Class’ oceangoing vessels. Tom has our full confidence and we look forward to working closely with him to ensuring Crystal remains unmatched in the luxury travel segment.”

Wolber said: “Crystal has developed a venerable reputation across the travel industry and my first responsibility will be continuing to deliver the world-class service and itineraries Crystal is renowned for. I thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim for placing his faith in me, and I look forward to spearheading some of the most innovative new-builds and experiences the cruise and hospitality industry has ever seen in the years ahead.”

Wolber joins Crystal most recently from the Walt Disney Company where he served in various executive roles for 28 years, 10 of which were with Disney Cruise Line where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations. Wolber was involved in transforming Disney Cruise Line from a Port Canaveral based vacation provider to a global cruise line with itineraries covering North America, the Mediterranean and the Baltic.

During his time at Disney, Wolber assisted with the design and launch of new builds including Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Wolber also served as President and CEO of Euro Disney, Paris and has held senior executive positions in Disney theme parks and resort operations at the Walt Disney World Resort.

“Since acquiring Crystal in 2015, Genting has worked tirelessly to expand the Crystal brand by launching two river vessels with a third imminent, an expedition yacht and a private Boeing 777 – certainly no easy feat,” added Tan Sri Lim.

Wolber’s appointment means the departure of Crystal’s high-profile President and CEO, Edie Rodriguez, who joined Crystal as President & COO in October 2013. She was promoted to President and CEO following the acquisition of the company by Genting Hong Kong in May 2015.

At Crystal Bach’s christening in Rüdesheim, Germany back in August (from left to right): Josef Lumetsberger, General Manager Operations, Crystal River Cruises; Crystal Bach Godmother Anna-Maria Kaufmann; Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez; Captain Thijs van der Lee, Master of Crystal Bach

Prior to Crystal, Rodriguez held senior marketing, sales and business development positions with other notable luxury lines and travel companies.

“Thanks to Edie Rodriquez’s leadership, Crystal has successfully launched three new brands: Crystal Yachts, Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Air. We thank Edie for her service to the company, appreciate all of her hard work, and wish her the very best in future endeavours.”

Rodriguez said the experience of leading Crystal has been “extraordinary”. She adds: “I can’t thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim enough for the confidence and investment to assure Crystal’s future with a bold expansion strategy which I’ve firmly put in place. I’m happy to turn over the reins, knowing Crystal is well served by the incredibly talented and hard-working people throughout the organization – on sea, river, air and land. I look forward to announcing my new endeavour shortly.”