A-Rosa Appoints Michael Ungerer as Chairman
A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH, based in Rostock, has announced that Michael Ungerer will be the new chairman of the advisory board of the A-Rosa Group, effective immediately, bringing his extensive and long-standing leadership experience in the cruise and hospitality sectors to the company.
Upon taking his new position, Michael Ungerer openly expressed that he feels honored and privileged to be the Chairman of Germany’s leading river cruise company. Having witnessed the growth and success of the brand despite numerous challenges, Michael Ungerer is excited to provide strategic guidance and collaborate with executive management, the owners, and all stakeholders to strengthen the leadership position and focus on the next phase of sustainable growth for the company.
Michael Ungerer
Michael Ungerer began his professional career in 1988 with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, later becoming Senior Vice President of Operations at AIDA Cruises in Rostock in 2004 and then President of AIDA Cruises in 2012. From 2015 to 2018, Ungerer served as COO for Asia at Carnival Corporation. Between 2019 and early this year, he successfully led the launch and growth of the luxury cruise line Explora Journeys as CEO.
The management of A-Rosa has also shown great enthusiasm for this collaboration, which will solidify A-ROSA as a market leader and innovator in the premium segment of river cruising. Following Michael Ungerer’s new appointment, another significant change for the company involves Jörg Eichler, who will step down from his position as CEO and Managing Director by mid-2025 to take on a new responsible role in the tourism sector. Since joining the company in 2013, the fleet has grown from 10 to 15 ships operating on the European rivers Danube, Douro, Rhine/Main/Moselle, Rhône, and Seine. Together with the A-Rosa team, Eichler quickly steered the company back towards success, enabling A-Rosa to achieve a new sales and occupancy record in 2023, which is expected to be surpassed again in 2024.
Jorg Eichler
A-Rosa Sena
The company will soon announce Jörg Eichler’s successor, who will continue to develop innovative concepts for river cruises and will fulfill his role as managing director until the handover is successfully completed. After that, he will remain a shareholder. Markus Zoepke, COO and co-partner of the company since 2003, will continue to be responsible for operations at the Chur location in Switzerland.
A-Rosa continues to work towards offering cruises along the most beautiful rivers in Europe with ships docking in central locations, close to the heart of European metropolises, renowned historical sites, and famous cultural attractions, providing unforgettable experiences.
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