MSC Cruises UK boss moving to new role
The UK boss of MSC Cruises is being replaced after less than two years.
Claudia Baino, managing director of the Italian line in the UK, is to move on to a “new challenge†within the MSC group at the end of July.
Her replacement will be Giulio Libutti, who the company said would be bringing a wealth of travel experience to the role, “in particular commercial airline experienceâ€.
The announcement follows rumours about Baino’s future and comes just three days before the line launches new ship MSC Poesia in Dover.
MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Claudia’s contribution to MSC’s growth in the UK over the past 16 months has been very much appreciated and will be missed.
“But all is not lost as MSC Corporate will now benefit from her expertise and the entire team of course wishes her the best for the future in her new role.â€
Baino said: “Giulio brings to MSC Cruises UK a wealth of senior management and airline experience which is key in pursuing new and exciting fly/cruise package combinations for the British holidaymaker.
“I would like to personally thank all the British travel agents for their support of MSC Cruises making it possible for us to expand at such a fast pace.
“I am very excited about the international project development opportunity and look forward to continuing a close relationship with the British travel industryâ€.
Baino, former managing director of Travel Holdings Europe, joined MSC in December 2006.
During her time the number of travel agents supporting the line has trebled and year-on-year growth has reached 42%, according to the company.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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