By
Rebecca Gibson |
Richard Vogel is to step down as CEO of TUI Cruises later this year to undertake a ‘top management’ position elsewhere.
Vogel, who joined the TUI Group in June 2005 as director of special projects, was instrumental in developing the company’s ocean cruise strategy and was involved in the formation of TUI Cruises as a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“I deeply regret Richard Vogel’s decision,” said Richard Fain, chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Lt. “He has built TUI Cruises into a dynamic and successful company through his leadership and passion. I am very grateful for that.”
Since April 2008, Vogel has served as chairman of the TUI Cruises board and has succeeded in establishing the brand as the second-largest operator in the German cruise market. Under Vogel’s leadership, the company launched its first ship Mein Schiff 1 in May 2009 and Mein Schiff 2 in May 2011. On 12 June, German singer Helene Fischer is to christen the latest newbuild Mein Schiff 3 during a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany. The line will also debut Mein Schiff 4 in 2015.
“Vogel has intensely contributed to establishing TUI Cruises,” said Friedrich Joussen, CEO of TUI AG. “I therefore regret his decision to leave, but at the same time, I can understand his desire to take up a new challenge and go a new way after nine successful years with TUI and TUI Cruises.”
Vogel explained that he had planned his decision to leave strategically. “We have developed TUI Cruises into a successful and profitable venture,” he said. “With Mein Schiff 3, we are taking our first purpose-built ship into operation. For me, this is a good time to take a different course.”
A successor has been chosen and will be revealed in the coming weeks.