A favourite of North American travel agents, former Celebrity sales executive Dondra Ritzenthaler is returning to the industry as CEO of small-ship line Azamara next spring.
Formerly senior vice-president of sales, trade support and service for the Americas at Celebrity, Ritzenthaler is a 40-year industry veteran. She spent 20 years with American Airlines before deplaning to the cruise industry for another 20 years with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
Ritzenthaler retired from Celebrity in May, citing a need to “recharge my batteries.” Following a non-compete period, she will take on her new role in May, 2024.
Azamara offers destination-immersive cruising. The Azamara Journey in New Zealand. (Photo Credit: Azamara)
"Azamara provides a unique and exciting offering within the luxury cruise space, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the company into its next chapter," said Ritzenthaler in a press release.
"I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners to better serve the customer base and grow the Azamara brand."
Until Ritzenthaler takes the helm, Azamara Chair Dan Hanrahan will lead the company. Current president Carol Cabezas will be departing.
Azamara also announced the appointment of Alain Ferzli as CFO, effective immediately. He was most recently the acting CFO for Virgin Voyages and held previous senior financial roles at Royal Caribbean Group.
Ferzli brings more than 20 years of "significant experience driving profitable growth" in the cruise industry, Azamara said.
"Our team has worked diligently to maintain a solid foundation for Azamara amid unique industry-wide challenges over the last several years,” stated Hanrahan.
“Dondra and Alain's deep knowledge of and experience leading cruise lines will support the shift of our focus to expanding our business and realizing Azamara's full potential."
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