American Cruise Lines has announced that Susan Shultz-Gelino, vice president of trade relations, has retired after several decades with the company.
An industry veteran, Shultz-Gelino began her career in travel with American Cruise Lines in the 1980s. Among her achievements, Shultz-Gelino established and led the sales department to record numbers through the company’s early years. She developed industry-wide trade partnerships and established a growing team of business development managers. The company grew to become the largest domestic cruise line in the country during Shultz-Gelino’s tenure, now with 17 small ships operating in 35 states.
“Susan has been an extraordinary business partner and remains a dear friend. Her retirement comes at a poignant moment in our company’s history,” said Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines. "When Susan joined American Cruise Lines, we had one small ship named American Eagle. She concludes her career more than 20 ships later with the introduction of the newest American Eagle. We are excited to see Susan pass the baton to Melissa and look forward building on the strong foundation Susan set."
At the same time, joining American Cruise Lines is Melissa Young who will lead the company’s agency partnerships and trade relations as the director of business development. She will take over the national network of business development managers and lead the line’s sales into the future. Young has worked in the travel industry for many years, most recently serving as North American director of sales for Red Carnation Hotels. In her capacity there, Young represented the company’s collection of luxury boutique hotels, developed strategic partnerships, and customized sales and marketing plans to drive sales through all distribution channels: DMCs, tour operators, wholesalers, travel agency owners/managers and travel advisors.
For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
Related Stories
Annie Scrivanich to Step Down as Cruise Specialists SVP
Sea Cloud Cruises Adds Senior Leadership in North America
Who’s Where in Travel: Tour Ops, Cruise Line Add Sales Leaders
Celebrity Promotes Katina Athanasiou to SVP Sales and Services