Hornblower Names Michelle Manson Chief People Officer
Hornblower Group announced it has named Michelle Mason as its new chief people officer, responsible for the global human resources strategy to support Hornblower’s 5,000-plus employees worldwide.Joining Hornblower Group’s executive team and reporting to CEO Mike Flaskey, Mason brings more than 25 years of experience in HR and strategic consulting services for international corporations. She joins Hornblower from Kinetic Consulting and following a decades-long career with Procter & Gamble. Mason holds a bachelor’s degree in design and environmental analysis and a master’s
Hornblower Appoints Lisa Lutoff-Perlo as Board Chair
Hornblower Group on Tuesday announced Lisa Lutoff-Perlo has been appointed as the Chairwoman of the Board, effective immediately.A global hospitality and cruise industries leader, Lutoff-Perlo will help in guiding Hornblower’s strategic direction and fostering growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the company’s diverse portfolio of businesses, Lutoff-Perlo is currently the President and CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. She previously served as Vice Chairman, External Affairs, for the Royal Caribbean Group and as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises
Hornblower Group Names Mike Flaskey CEO
Marine transportation and experiences company Hornblower Group announced it has appointed Mike Flaskey as its new chief executive officer.Flaskey will lead Hornblower through its next phase following the company's recent emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership. He succeeds outgoing CEO Kevin Rabbitt."We are thrilled to welcome Mike as Hornblower’s new CEO," said Jonathan Waggoner, Co-Head of the North American Operating Team at Strategic Value Partners, Hornblower's majority owner. "He has a clear vision for the future of Hornblower. He has a true passion
Hornblower Announces Leadership Promotions
Hornblower Group on Monday announced the promotions of several key members of its leadership team.“These changes within the leadership team represent a significant milestone for Hornblower Group as we forge ahead in working toward our company’s ambitions goals,” said Kevin Rabbitt, Chief Executive Officer for Hornblower Group. “I have full confidence that this group, with their impressive backgrounds and extensive industry knowledge, will significantly contribute to supporting our company's overall business strategy and lead us toward a successful future. We continue to
US Maritime Industry Working to Solve the People Puzzle
mariners in various positions, and Douglas said demand is particularly high for able seamen, deck officers and engineering officers. (Photo: Crowley)The same is true in the passenger vessel sector, said Richard J. Paine, Jr., vice president, quality assurance (HSSQE) and proposal management, at the Hornblower Group. “Hornblower is no different than many other companies coming out of the pandemic the last few years. We have been steadily hiring across our business' in the U.S. and on the global level since restarting many of our operations,” he explained. “Within the United States
Hornblower Hires DiFulgo as Chief People Officer
Hornblower Group announced Karen DiFulgo has joined the company as Chief People Officer, responsible for leading the strategic and operational human resources initiatives across the company’s global portfolio. She will report to Adam Peakes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hornblower Group.DiFulgo comes to Hornblower from Benchmark Global Hospitality, where she served as the Chief People Officer. Prior to Benchmark, DiFulgo held senior roles in a variety of corporate hospitality and global organizations including Gaylord Hotels / Gaylord Resorts and National Convention
D’Aoust Named President of American Queen Voyages
.An industry veteran, D’Aoust joins AQV with nearly 40 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry including previously serving as the President of Hospitality for Cape Resorts Management Company and Global President & CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).“Hornblower Group is committed to the expansion of American Queen Voyages, as evidenced by the substantial investments in vessels, company rebrand, talent and training, technology, a new Fort Lauderdale headquarters, in the heart of the cruise industry epicenter,” said Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive
Brendan Smith Takes the Helm as President, Seaward Services
Hornblower Group announced that Brendan Smith, formerly VP of Engineering, NYC Ferry, has been named President of Seaward Services, Inc. Smith replaces John Keever, who has retired after 50 years in the industry, and will report to Scott Thornton, COO of Hornblower Group’s Ferries and Transportation Division.As President of Seaward Services, Inc., Smith will oversee the operation and maintenance of both government and privately owned craft, including High-Speed Craft, Range Craft, Experimental Craft, Training Craft, Research Vessels and Unmanned Surface Vessels. He will also lead Seaward Services&
Giersdorf Joins American Queen Voyages as Acting President
American Queen Voyages announced David Giersdorf has been named acting president for American Queen Voyages for a term of up to 18 months. He will report to Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group.Giersdorf has served in the role of advisor to American Queen Voyages for nearly three years and brings a deep passion and understanding of Hornblower’s overnight cruise industry including supporting the acquisition and reimagining of the independent shore excursions business, Venture Ashore, and more recently, the launch of Ocean Victory, Hornblower's Alaska Expedition experiences.
Bridgeport Boatworks, Hornblower Award Maritime Scholarships
Bridgeport Boatworks and Hornblower Marine have launched six scholarships supporting students at Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus. The scholarships, totaling $15,000.00 and valued at $2,500.00 per student, will be dedicated to local Bridgeport residents, and will continue to establish the Bridgeport waterfront as a maritime industry leader and job center.The announcement was made at the launch of Porter & Chester Institute’s Bridgeport campus welding program.In April 2021, Bridgeport Boatworks announced that it had entered into a long-term lease agreement with Hornblowe
Hornblower Names Peakes EVP and CFO
Hornblower Group announced Monday that Adam C. Peakes has joined the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Peakes will report to Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group.As Hornblower Group’s CFO, Peakes will oversee the company’s global shared services functions of finance and accounting, human resources, information technology and marine operations.“I am excited to welcome Adam to the Hornblower family and work with him as a trusted partner,” said Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group. “Adam’s more than
Rabbitt to Join Hornblower as CEO
U.S.-based passenger vessel operator Hornblower Group announced it has appointed Kevin Rabbitt has CEO. Rabbitt is expected to take up the role in July, while founder, Chairman and current CEO Terry MacRae will continue as Executive Chairman.Rabbitt’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for industry-leader Hornblower as many parts of the Group’s operations prepare to resume operations when current pandemic restrictions are lifted.“In these unprecedented times, there will be challenges alongside opportunities,” Rabbitt said. “I look forward to ensuring that the business is
SUNY Hosts Ceremony for Hornblower E-Navigation Lab
Ongoing partnership between Hornblower and Maritime College provides access to internships and jobs for students & alumni along with access to training facilities for Hornblower crewsThere is a new wave of maritime talent hitting the shores of New York Harbor as one of the oldest maritime institutions in the country continues to expand its partnership with one of the biggest ferry operators in the country. SUNY Maritime College officials joined Hornblower executives for a ceremony renaming the College’s navigation lab the “Hornblower E-Navigation Lab.” The naming served as
SUNY Maritime to Train NYC’s Next Ferry Captains
NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower is teaming up with the oldest merchant marine academy in the country to deliver a world class training program before a majority of the new NYC Ferry vessels even arrive in New York Harbor. SUNY Maritime College was founded in 1874 as the New York Nautical School, the first school in the nation devoted to training merchant mariners. As part of this new collaboration between NYC Ferry and SUNY Maritime, future captains and crew will have access to SUNY Maritime’s top notch classroom facilities and experienced maritime faculty. Among those facilities
Hornblower Cruises & Events names Loebl Sr VP, Marine Operations
Hornblower Cruises & Events (HCE) has just named Gordon Loebl Senior Vice President, Marine Operations, according to Chairman and CEO Terry MacRae. Loebl will be responsible for supporting Hornblower Cruises & Events’ multiple home ports; overseeing facilities, capital projects and associated budgets; establishing and maintaining relationships with regulatory agencies; directing the corporate engineering and project team; ensuring safety standards; participating in new business development; and leading efforts to develop and utilize new technology. In this hands on
Hornblower’s Captain Goben Named “Maritime Person of the Year”
The International Propeller Club honors Captain Goben in recognition for his service to the maritime industry Captain Richard Goben, Port Captain of Hornblower Cruises & Events in San Diego, received an international maritime award at the 87th Annual Convention and Maritime Industry Conference in Arlington, Virginia in October. International Propeller Club of the United States honored Captain Goben as the 2013 Maritime Person of the Year. The Propeller Club was formed in 1927 in order to support shipping and the maritime industry. Goben was given this honor "in recognition of service as an
