Alan Lam reports

After its recent decision to refocus on Spain on account of the deteriorating economic situation in South America, Pullmantur Cruises, the Spanish subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., has announced the strengthening of its management team by bringing in two new, experienced members.

Jurgen Bailon and José Blanco have been appointed vice-presidents of the group, reporting directly to President and CEO of Pullmantur, Jorge Vilches. They will be responsible for operations and commercial activities, respectively, on the global level.

Jorge Vilches has described the impending arrivals of the two in the company’s management team as “fundamental” to implementing its recently launched “Movidos x Ti” scheme (Cruise Business 14 December 2015 new item), which focused more than ever before on passengers and the quality of its products.

Jurgen Bailon will be the new vice-President of Operations and will be responsible for global strategy in relation to onboard revenue generation, hotel and supply chain management. He has already had a rich experience in the cruise sector, mainly accrued from his roles in the Royal Caribbean group where he assumed various management positions within Pullmantur since 1991, such as Fleet Hotel Director/GM, Food & Beverage Director and Vacation Experience Director/GM. He was also a vice-President of Island Cruises in Brazil and, prior to this appointment, he was the Ship Management Services Corporate Director for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity.

José Blanco González will assume the role of vice-President Commercial from 8 February. He will be responsible for commercial strategy and activities of the group on the global level. He has a proven track record in the holiday and tourism sector, having fulfilled various key roles in the industry, including the Commercial Director of Parque Isla Magica, Marketing & Sales Director of PortAventura Resort, and being Europcar’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Spain immediately prior to his current appointment.

“I am convinced that their experience will contribute significantly to the consolidation of the group as a leader in the cruise industry and help continue and increase our global success," said Jorge Vilches.