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 A
familiar face and a much-loved cruise industry veteran has been tapped to
oversee Silversea Cruises' growth in the Americas.
Silversea recently announced that Mark Conroy is taking over as head of the
company's Miami office, which has responsibility for the Americas.
Conroy is a long-time veteran of the cruise industry, most notably as president
of Regent Seven Sea Cruises for two decades. He began with the company under the
Radisson Cruises brand in 1992 and led the cruise line through a brand evolution
to Radisson Seven Seas and ultimately to Regent Seven Seas after a 2008
ownership transition from Carlson Worldwide to Apollo Management. During his
tenure the company also acquired Oceania Cruises and formed an umbrella company,
Prestige Cruise Holdings. Conroy left Regent Seven Seas in 2013 and started his
own consulting firm while serving as executive advisor to Prestige CEO Frank Del
Rio.
"I have known, appreciated and respected Mark for more than twenty years and
cannot hide my satisfaction in having him join us," said Silversea's chairman
Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio. "He is an energetic leader with extensive knowledge
of the cruise industry."
"As of today, Mark will contribute greatly to the further growth of Silversea
Cruises," said Silversea CEO Enzo Visone. "Our expansion plans are well known.
Our new ship, Silver Muse, is on schedule to join our fleet at the beginning of
2017, which together with our plans to refurbish and upgrade our existing
vessels, will solidify our leadership position in the top segment of the cruise
market. I am pleased to join Manfredi in welcoming Mark Conroy to Silversea
Cruises."
The news was equally welcomed by travel agents. “This is fantastic. He is loved
and missed in the travel community,” said top luxury agent Steven E. Shulem,
president of Strictly Vacations in Santa Barbara, Calif. “Silversea needs a shot
in the arm, and Mark Conroy is the guy to do it. I’ve known him since the day I
started in this industry 26 years ago and have always enjoyed working with him.
I love his passion with every cruise line he’s worked with. I especially love
his interaction with the guests — he hands out his business cards and invites
them to call him, and they do!”
Conroy began his career in the mail room of Norwegian Cruise Line in 1973 while
studying at the University of Miami. He went on to serve as president of
Commodore Cruises and Renaissance Cruises before taking on his work with Regent
Seven Seas. He also served as chairman of CLIA's executive committee from
2002-04.
Conroy's hiring coincides with the announcement that Kristian Anderson has
stepped down as Silversea's senior vice president and general manager for the
Americas.
"We thank Kristian for his contributions over the past years and wish him well
for his future endeavors," commented Visone. |
