‘Giles Hawke has huge shoes to fill,’ says new Celebrity Cruises chief

Hodges Bethge, who herself took over at the helm of the brand from Lisa Lutoff-Perlo in May, said Hawke’s appointment had been “well supported” by trade partners.

“They know him well and what they can expect from him, which is comforting, and really important for the brand moving forward.”

She said Hawke had been “such a lover of the brand for so long” and had been “really keen” to be considered for Rzymowska’s role after her plans to step down were announced late last year.

“He wasn’t necessarily looking to leave the post he’s currently in [and] when someone has so much passion that’s really important,” she added.

Hodges Bethge said she had joined the search for Rzymowska’s successor “almost at the end of the process” but had ensured the right candidate won the approval of Royal Group’s leadership committee, including that of company president and chief executive Jason Liberty.

She added the “secret sauce” of Royal Caribbean Group was having “people willing to put in the extra effort” and “keep questioning and evolving”.

“I believe Giles is going to work really well in that culture of innovating and pushing ourselves to deliver the best for our guests and everyone we work with commercially.”