Scenic Group has appointed cruise industry veteran Sture Myrmell as chief operating officer, reinforcing its executive team as the company enters what it describes as one of its most significant ship expansion periods in its 40-year history. The appointment follows the recent arrival of Riko van Santen as chief information officer.
Based in Scenic Group’s Zug office, Myrmell will lead global operations across the Scenic and Emerald Cruises portfolio of river and ocean cruising and land journey products. He has previously held senior roles at Cunard, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia, and served as president of Carnival Australia and Carnival UK, chief operating officer at Journey Beyond, and most recently president of Aroya Cruises.
“Scenic Group has built an exceptional reputation for innovation, quality and delivering truly memorable travel experiences,” Myrmell said. “I am delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our global teams to build on this strong foundation.”
Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney said the appointment strengthened the company’s leadership ahead of its expansion plans.
“His depth of operational expertise, commercial acumen and proven ability to lead international teams will be invaluable as Scenic Group continues to expand its luxury yacht and river cruise portfolio,” Moroney said.
Van Santen to lead technology strategy
Riko van Santen, formerly chief information officer at Kempinski Hotels, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in technology and digital transformation across international hospitality. He will lead Scenic Group’s technology strategy, covering digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-led decision making.
Appointments precede major fleet expansion
The leadership changes come as Scenic Group progresses a significant capacity expansion across its Scenic and Emerald brands. Recent launches include Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra Star-Ship, both operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube.
In 2027, the company will launch Emerald Lumi on the Seine, Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River and the new luxury yacht Emerald Raiya. Expansion continues in 2028 with new Scenic ships on the Mekong River, Emerald Xara as the first Emerald Cruises ocean vessel in the Asia-Pacific region, and the inaugural season of Scenic Ikon in the Mediterranean and Antarctica.
