AmaWaterways Co-Founder Kristin Karst has provided insight on her new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, after stepping down as the long-standing Executive Vice President with the river cruise line following the appointment of Catherine Powell as President earlier this month.
Karst, who co-owns the company, founded AmaWaterways 23 years ago with Rudi Schreiner and Jimmy Murphy (who passed away in 2014).
“This exciting change allows me to focus even more on what I love most – nurturing the relationships we’ve built with our valued partners over the years,” she said.
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Karst highlighted AmaWaterways commitment to being “the heart of the river”, not just in terms of its cruise offering, but also in terms of the communities it touches.
“Today’s travellers aren’t just booking trips, they’re seeking experiences that resonate with their values – journeys that are meaningful, immersive and personal,” she said.
“My new role as Chief Brand Ambassador allows me to champion this vision and strengthen our global presence.”
A recent trip to Colombia served to reinforce this, according to Karst, with her itinerary encompassing shipyard visits and meetings with government officials, suppliers and partners.“The impact of AmaWaterways is resonating through the region,” she said. “We’re not just building ships, we’re building relationships and contributing significantly to local economies.
“By engaging with local partners, we’re ensuring that our achievements become their achievements. This collaborative approach strengthens our bonds with the communities we serve and enriches the experiences we offer our guests.”
As she transitions to her new role, Karst will remain “deeply involved” in the company’s leadership, with both she and Schreiner working alongside President Catherine Powell to ensure day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly.
“Our core values, commitment to excellence and dedication to our travel partners remain unwavering. These expansions only strengthen on our ability to deliver on our promises,” she stressed.
“In this new chapter, I look forward to being even more hands-on in shaping the AmaWaterways brand globally while ensuring daily operations remain in capable hands”.
