Giles Hawke will join Bromley-based Cosmos Tours as CEO on May 1.
Hawke leaves MSC Cruises in April after just over two years as MD of the cruise line.
Before joining MSC he was sales and customer delivery director for Carnival UK.
At Cosmos Tours he replaces Alan MacLean, who was managing director of Cosmos Tours for five years but stepped down last month.
Hugh Morgan, Cosmos Tours executive chairman, said: "Giles brings with him vital commercial cruise expertise and experience in the fastest growing sector of the travel industry and we all look forward to working with him."
Cosmos Tours brands include Cosmos Tours & Cruises, Archers Holidays as well as luxury river cruise line, Avalon Waterways.
