Crystal Chief Operating Officer Thomas Mazloum has left the company to pursue another opportunity outside of the cruise industry, Crystal said in a statement announcing a number of new executive changes at the company.
Following Mazloum’s departure Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez has announced the promotion of 22-year Crystal veteran Toni Neumeister to senior vice president of hotel operations, responsible for all hotel, food and beverage, entertainment and land programs for Crystal’s expanding portfolio of travel experiences.
In conjunction with this, Crystal is also restructuring its vessel operations division, with marine operations reporting to Gustaf Gronberg, senior vice president of Marine Operations in Genting Cruise Lines, which owns three brands – Crystal Cruises, Star Cruises and Dream Cruises. Additionally, the company’s casino operations will be headed up by Terry Smith, current director of casino operations at Crystal Cruises. Casino operations will be franchised and transferred to Resorts World at Sea (RWAS).
In announcing Mazloum’s departure from Crystal, Rodriguez said in a written release, “It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to Thomas, whose talents have played an instrumental role in establishing Crystal’s award-winning reputation. We wish him nothing but the best in his new endeavors.”
Mazloum has served as COO of Crystal Cruises since May 2015, overseeing shipboard operations and shoreside guest services for all divisions of Crystal Cruises. He began his cruise industry career at Crystal Cruises with the 1990 launch of the line’s first ship, Crystal Harmony. He left the company in 2002 for three years to work at Disney, where he last served as general manager for Epcot at Walt Disney World, before returning to Crystal.
“It has been my pleasure and honor to work with an incredible brand like Crystal under Edie’s instrumental leadership,” Mazloum said. “I have been equally fortunate to have a great onboard team, one that fulfills Crystal’s guests’ dreams every day.”
Neumeister’s more than 30 years of luxury travel experience includes a career that began with Royal Viking Line. He worked for Cunard and prestigious hotels in Austria before joining Crystal in 1995. His has developed Crystal’s alliances with famous chefs, including the company’s long-standing partnership with Nobuyaki Matsuhisa, as well as the Crystal Wine & Food Festival program.
The reorganization of marine and technical operations under Gronberg, and casino under Smith, allows Crystal to benefit from Genting's and Resorts World's expertise, Crystal said.