Katrina McAlpine has been appointed as Managing Director, Australia & New Zealand, for the MSC Group’s Cruise Division.

Katrina will lead the strategic direction and growth in Australasia across both cruise brands – the contemporary brand, MSC Cruises, and the luxury ocean travel brand, Explora Journeys.

She will be based in the company’s Sydney office and report to Antonio Paradiso, Vice President International Sales, MSC Cruises & Explora Journeys, and Francesco Iannaccone, Global Head of Commercial Strategy & Sales Operations, Explora Journeys.

“On behalf of the Cruise Division, I am delighted to welcome Katrina to the company,” said Mr Paradiso.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience and will play a key role in strengthening our brands in Australia and New Zealand.

“This appointment reinforces our growing presence in the region and showcases our determination to continue delivering on the goals and commitments we’ve established for this important market.”

Katrina brings extensive commercial leadership experience, with a strong track record across both luxury and premium cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Cunard and Imagine Cruising where she has driven business growth by developing commercial strategies that deliver measurable results.

Both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys rank Australia among their key markets globally, underscoring the significance of this appointment for the Cruise Division and the commitment to further strengthen and grow the market presence in the region.

Katrina will formally begin her role on January 12.