Crystal Cruises appoints new CEO as Rodriguez departs

Crystal Cruises, the luxury travel company, has appointed Tom Wolber as its new president & CEO following the surprise departure of Edie Rodriguez.

The appointment was made effective immediately.

“Tom’s proven leadership skills will be invaluable to Crystal as the line takes delivery of four river ships in 2017 and 2018 as well as the first of the ‘Endeavor Class’ expedition yachts in 2019,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises. “His leadership will be key to the finalization of specifications and design for the new ‘Exclusive Class’ oceangoing vessels. Tom has our full confidence and we look forward to working closely with him to ensuring Crystal remains unmatched in the luxury travel segment.”

“Crystal has developed a venerable reputation across the travel industry and my first responsibility will be continuing to deliver the world-class service and itineraries Crystal is renowned for,” said Tom Wolber. “I thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim for placing his faith in me, and I look forward to spearheading some of the most innovative new-builds and experiences the cruise and hospitality industry has ever seen in the years ahead.”

Wolber has held numerous high profile roles across the cruise industry, including 10 years at Disney Cruise Line where he served as senior vice president of operations.

“Since acquiring Crystal in 2015, Genting has worked tirelessly to expand the Crystal brand by launching two river vessels with a third imminent, an expedition yacht and a private Boeing 777 – certainly no easy feat,” added Tan Sri Lim. “Thanks to Edie Rodriquez’s leadership, Crystal has successfully launched three new brands: Crystal Yachts, Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Air. We thank Edie for her service to the company, appreciate all of her hard work, and wish her the very best in future endeavors.”

“It’s been an extraordinary experience leading Crystal to global prominence, and I am very proud of my accomplishments,” said Rodriguez. “I can’t thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim enough for the confidence and investment to assure Crystal’s future with a bold expansion strategy which I’ve firmly put in place. I’m happy to turn over the reins, knowing Crystal is well served by the incredibly talented and hard-working people throughout the organization – on sea, river, air and land. I look forward to announcing my new endeavor shortly.”