By
Cherie Rowlands |
Gianni Onorato is to become the new CEO of MSC Cruises from 2 September, replacing Pierfrancesco Vago who will take on the role of executive chairman.
Onorato is to be based at MSC Cruises headquarters in Geneva where he will report to Pierfrancesco Vago, who in turn will oversee all companies within the MSC group that are strategically relevant to the tourism sector.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed to this exciting role and I am also particularly excited to move to Geneva, where MSC Cruises' headquarters is based,” said Onorato. “I will do everything I can to add value to the company and help MSC Cruises maximise its industry-leading position. I look forward to starting work with the management team in this significant moment of the company’s growth.”
Italian-born Onorato has extensive cruise business experience after 30 years in the industry and nine years as president of Costa Cruises. His cruise career began in 1986 as onboard food and beverage manager, before he moved to the shoreside post of Costa Cruises’ product director. Between 1997 and 2004, he served as Costa’s vice president of cruise operations.
Vago said: “Our company has gone through a period of rapid expansion, with ten new ships built within ten years, three new prototype classes of ship created and 45 offices opened around the globe. I am confident that the appointment of Gianni will consolidate our management structure, building on its existing strengths and boosting the company’s development plans even further.”