AmaWaterways recruits Airbnb, Disney exec as new President

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1739314594063{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Positioning the company for its next phase of growth, AmaWaterways has named Catherine Powell as its new President. Effective 17 February 2025, Powell will work alongside co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst.

The move represents a significant milestone in AmaWaterways’ journey, as the company continues to build upon its strong foundation and impressive growth trajectory. Powell, with her extensive experience and innovative outlook, has been chosen to complement the existing leadership team and contribute to the company’s future success.

Powell is a distinguished business leader across the entertainment, hospitality, and travel industries. She spent over 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, delivering double-digit growth and leading transformative efforts focused on new revenue and cost opportunities. Most recently, she served as Global Head of Hosting at Airbnb, overseeing and growing its global community of over 5 million Hosts of both homes and experiences.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”170022″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1739315860563{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1739314489455{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1610931970624{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1739314496507{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1739314466876{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]“I am thrilled and honoured to join AmaWaterways as its new President,” Powell said this week.

“The company’s commitment to exceptional guest experiences, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with my own values and vision for the future of travel. Having spent my career in entertainment and hospitality, I’m excited to bring my passion for creating unforgettable moments to the world of luxury river cruising.

“I look forward to working alongside the talented team at AmaWaterways to build upon their impressive legacy and chart new courses for growth and excellence in the industry,” Powell added.

In her new role, Powell will report directly to Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and CEO, ensuring a collaborative approach to leadership and maintaining continuity in the company’s strategic direction.

AmaWaterways said its “carefully planned expansion of the executive team demonstrates AmaWaterways’ commitment to long-term stability and continued excellence in the luxury river cruise industry.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”170021″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1739315880965{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1739314481757{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Schreiner expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “Catherine’s vision aligns perfectly with our ethos of exceptional guest experiences and innovation. Her leadership will be instrumental in propelling AmaWaterways to new heights. As we move into this new chapter of growth, we are confident that Catherine’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in exploring new opportunities within the luxury river cruise market, while staying true to our core values.”

Kristin Karst will continue her role as co-owner and co-founder while also taking on the position of Chief Brand Ambassador.

“I very much look forward to not only creating more awareness and forging relationships internationally, but to maintaining and strengthening our very important relationships with our travel trade (partners) who have always been at the heart of AmaWaterways,” Karst added. “Together, we will continue building on the foundation of trust and excellence that AmaWaterways is known for, ensuring we deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests around the world.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1579214156361{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

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