The current CEO and Co-Founder of AmaWaterways Rudi Schreiner will transition to a new role as Chairman of the Board, with President Catherine Powell to step up as the company’s new CEO from 1 July.
The move follows fellow Co-Founder Kristin Karst’s decision to transition to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador in February, when Powell was appointed as President. Karst will also remain on the AmaWaterways board, while Schreiner will provide additional ongoing support to Powell in her new role.
“We are so excited about what we have been building – internationally with new markets, new passengers and, frankly a whole new generation of river cruisers,”
Schreiner said. “I am delighted that we are investing in the kind of leadership Catherine brings to the company. It’s a real inflection point, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Meanwhile, Karst described it as a “next step forward” for the company that she and Schreiner built.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine as CEO. Her global experience and leadership style reflect the values that have guided us from the beginning,” she said. “I’m excited for the future and grateful to keep focusing on what I love most — nurturing the relationships with our travel partners, our guests and the local communities we visit, cultivating the shared success that comes from growing together.”
Powell said the change of guard comes at a moment of “growth and transformation” for both AmaWaterways and the river cruise industry as a whole.
She paid tribute to Schreiner’s “pioneering vision” which she credited with shaping the river cruise sector. “From the design of the ships to every detail of the experience on board and on shore, Rudi has touched the lives of all the guests who have sailed with us,” she said. “I am honoured to be taking the mantle from Rudi and steering this incredible company into its next exciting chapter building on his legacy.”
This next phase will see the company “strategically expand” into new destinations and markets, while also investing in technology, digital platforms and elevated customer experiences. “These initiatives will ensure that AmaWaterways remains well-positioned for long-term success in the evolving landscape of travel,” said Jennifer Reid, Partner and Director at L Catterton, which owns a significant stake in the company.
