MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line has announced the appointment of Antonio Paradiso as Managing Director for the MSC Cruises’ business in the UK and Ireland.

Paradiso is currently based at MSC Cruises’ global headquarters in Geneva as Executive Director, Emerging Markets. Coming from an extensive MSC Cruises background, Paradiso will bring his great experience with him in his new, London-based role. Formerly the trade manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, he was promoted to Executive Director, Emerging Markets in 2012 – a position from which he oversaw and managed MSC Cruises’ Commercial and Sales Strategy in over 30 countries across three continents.
 

Effective March 1, 2016, Paradiso will be replacing outgoing MD, Giles Hawke, who will be leaving the company in April 2016.  Hawke has been with MSC Cruises for over two years and made a significant contribution to the business and the brand in the markets for which he held responsibility during this time.
 

Paradiso will remain the interim Executive Director of Emerging Markets. At the same time, Achille Staiano, currently Head of Commercial Services, will assume an ad interim basis market responsibility for Australia, Scandinavia and South Africa, three markets formerly part of Giles Hawke’ portfolio.

“I wish to thank Giles for his contribution to the business during his time with MSC Cruises,” Onorato said. “At the same time, this is an exciting time for our UK and Ireland business and a great opportunity for Antonio to lead the next phase of our growth in both markets.”

 

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer MSC Cruises, commented: “Antonio will be a strong successor to Giles as we look to further grow our business in the UK and Ireland. To best prepare for this, over the next two months Giles and Antonio will be working closely together on a full handover and familiarization of the MSC Cruises business, its partners and other key stakeholders across both markets.”