MSC Cruises has appointed Luca Biondolillo to the newly-created role of chief communications officer.
Biondolillo, 48, joins from outside of the industry. He was previously head of corporate communications and public affairs for Benetton Group.
He joins MSC on March 2, based in Geneva and reporting to chief executive Gianni Onorato.
"Luca joins us at a crucial time in our corporate development as we pursue a €5 billion fleet enlargement plan to double our current capacity by 2022," said Biondolillo.
"His profile fits MSC extremely well, since he has worked extensively with both private and publicly-traded, family-controlled multinational corporations. His communication leadership will be key to ensuring that we continue to build upon a reputation earned through 300 years of seafaring."
Biondolillo is also vice-president of the Board of the Brussels-based European Association of Communication Directors (EACD).
