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CONTACT: |
Sally Andrews |
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PHONE: |
800-637-5029 |
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FAX: |
206-262-5934 |
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EMAIL: |
pr@hollandamerica.com |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE NAMES MICHAEL J. SMITH SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT MARINE HOTEL OPERATIONS
Additional appointments include John Peijs to Director, Marine Hotel Operations, and Jafar Al Shibibi to Director, Marine Hotel Procurement
Seattle, Wash., Jan. 23, 2013 — Holland America Line has named Michael J. Smith senior vice president, marine hotel operations, replacing Johan Groothuizen who is retiring at the end of 2013 after 42 years with the company.
In this role, Smith is responsible for the overall marine hotel operations, including on-board services such as culinary operations, all hotel and entertainment services for both Holland America Line, as well as Seabourn. He will report to Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations.
“Michael’s extensive background in both the hotel and the cruise industries makes him a knowledgeable and well-rounded addition to the team,” said Grausz. “His enthusiasm, freshperspective and attention to detail will ensure continued growth and service excellence for Holland America Line and Seabourn.”
Prior to joining Holland America Line, Smith was vice president of hotel operations at Club Quarters Hotels in New York for more than 15 years. He also spent 16 years in the cruise industry serving in several executive positions both ashore and on board for Cunard Line, as well as Silversea Cruises.
During 2013 Groothuizen will serve as vice president, special projects, with a primary focus on the recently announced Holland America Line ship to be completed in 2015. In this role, he will work closely with the shipyard and architects to ensure the new Pinnacle Class ship incorporates both current brand features and future innovations.
“Johan has given more than 40 years of dedicated and successful service to Holland America Line, from his earlier days as shipboard crew to his exceptional job at the helm of the marine hotel department,” said Grausz. “We all look forward to using that wealth of knowledge to develop our Pinnacle Class of ships.”
In other marine hotel moves, John Peijs is promoted to director, marine hotel operations and Jafar Al Shibibi is promoted to director, marine hotel procurement. Peijs will continue his current responsibilities with on-board services. Al Shibibi will continue to make improvements to the line’s purchasing activities.
“Both of these promotions are well earned,” said Grausz. “John has taken on multiple responsibilities during his time with Holland America Line, and he has executed all of them with professionalism. And Jafar has taken on many jobs with the line and can look at each one with a strong sense of accomplishment.”
For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional or call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Editor’s note: Photos are available at http://www.cleanpix.com/
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Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page atwww.hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.
World’s Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.
Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)
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