Transcend Cruises, a charter-only river cruise company focused on group and MICE business in Europe, has named longtime cruise and luxury travel executive Edie Rodriguez as CEO and a member of its board of directors.
The leadership change is limited to the top job. Gregg Marston, the outgoing CEO, will remain on the board of directors to provide continuity and strategic perspective as Transcend enters its next phase, and the rest of the executive leadership team will remain in place to work with Rodriguez.
Transcend Cruises: The Next Chapter
In the new role, Rodriguez oversees Transcend’s strategic direction, brand development and growth, with priorities that include immersive guest experiences and a business that is both sustainable and profitable. Her hiring ties to the company’s goal of changing how affinity groups, associations and corporations experience river cruising, using programming, service and curated experiences on the ship and on shore.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Transcend team,” said Rodriguez in a press statement. “The company is a true innovator and positive disruptor in the charter and MICE space for the European river cruise experiential market and perfectly positioned to attract global clients, with an exciting opportunity to further distinguish the brand. With the exceptional team at Transcend, together we will focus on growing the business successfully and profitably, while continuing to deliver amazing and memorable experiences for our clients and their guests, both onboard and ashore, as they discover some of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. I look forward to building on the company’s momentum as we lead the future of experiential river cruising for the charter and MICE global markets.”
Rodriguez brings experience leading several cruise brands, among them Crystal Cruises, including Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, as well as Ponant Cruises, Royal Caribbean‘s Azamara Cruises and Carnival Corporation‘s Cunard and Seabourn. Outside cruise lines, she has served as a special advisor to the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and as an advisor to private equity firm Blackstone, and she has held a seat on the board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, including as chair of its Nominating and Remuneration Committee.
For more information, visit transcendcruises.com.
