MIAMI, March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises named hospitality executive Wayne Wielgus today senior vice president of Marketing. In his new role, Wielgus will be responsible for the two brands' overall marketing efforts, including brand strategy and development, advertising, web marketing and research. Wielgus will report directly to Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO of the brands.
"We are delighted Wayne is joining us at such a pivotal time in Celebrity's and Azamara's growth and development," said Hanrahan. "Wayne has very successfully led marketing efforts at some of the largest and most popular brands in the lodging industry, and consistently has delivered dramatic results and returns throughout his career. His leadership, expertise and experience will be invaluable to Celebrity and Azamara as we continue to evolve our brands."
Wielgus has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Choice Hotels International, where he provided strategic leadership for global marketing and reservations for more than 5,300 hotels in over 42 countries. Earlier, he was vice president of marketing for Best Western International, where he coordinated efforts at more than 4,100 hotels in 84 countries. Wielgus held various positions with Forte Hotels, Inc., Nendels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Ramada Inc., and Holiday Inns earlier in his career.
Wielgus received an M.B.A. from Memphis University in Memphis, Tennessee, and a B.S. in Marketing in from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships - Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest - offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of South America and the Panama Canal, elite Asia, the most captivating Caribbean and enchanting Europe. For more information, travel agents are encouraged to call 1-877-222-2526. Guests are invited to call 1-877-999-9553. Or, visit http://www.azamaracruises.com/.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for "The Top Cruise Ships in the World," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice- class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800- 437-3111 or visit http://www.celebritycruises.com/. And for more about Celebrity's new Solstice class, visit http://www.celebritysolstice.com/.
