Azamara appoints new CEO and CFO to lead the way in 2024 and beyond

Azamara appoints new CEO and CFO to lead the way in 2024 and beyond
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Azamara has announced the appointment of two senior executives to lead the company in its next phase of growth.

    Dondra Ritzenthaler has been named the incoming CEO. A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Ritzenthaler was most recently the senior vice president of sales, trade support and services for the Americas for Celebrity Cruises.

    Prior to her 20 years with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, she spent nearly 20 years with American Airlines in a number of sales and marketing leadership roles. Ritzenthaler will begin at Azamara in May 2024. Until then, Dan Hanrahan, the chair of Azamara will provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the team 

    “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,” Ritzenthaler, said.

    “I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners to better serve the customer base and grow the Azamara brand.”

    Alain Ferzli has also joined Azamara as CFO, effective immediately.

    Ferzli has more than 20 years of significant experience driving profitable growth in the cruise industry serving as the acting CFO for Virgin Voyages and in various financial leadership roles with Royal Caribbean.

    “Our team has worked diligently to maintain a solid foundation for Azamara amid unique industry-wide challenges over the last several years,’ Hanrahan, said. 

    “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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