President and Co-founder of Landry & Kling Global Cruise Events, Josephine Kling, will be stepping down from the company, effective April 27, Landry & Kling reports. Going forward, current Landry & Kling CEO Joyce Landry will assume the expanded role of president and CEO.
“After our heartwarming 35th anniversary celebration last year, I realized this time was coming,” Kling said in a written statement. “After all, even the most memorable cruise eventually comes to an end when it’s time to pay attention to other things in life.”
Kling said that she plans to “invest more time in my personal life, and direct my energy and curiosity into other worthwhile endeavors including life-long learning, perhaps helping kids-at-risk find cruise jobs. I loved educating clients about cruise travel, so perhaps I’ll teach a cruise course and naturally keep traveling! My list of possibilities is endless.”
Landry said, “It’s been a remarkable partnership, in so many ways. I’m extremely grateful to Jo for her vision, elegance, boundless energy and creativity. It was a successful match from the beginning and we accomplished so much together. Her spirit is embedded in our corporate culture which will never leave us. That foundation continues to fuel growth and innovation, keeping Landry & Kling in the forefront of the cruise industry.”
Kling said that she is most proud of her media relations and marketing efforts, which put Landry & Kling on the map back in the 80’s before corporate and incentive buyers were on the radar of any cruise lines. More recently, the company’s digital marketing, ebooks and educational materials have helped it to expand and reinvent itself.
Kling started her career in marketing research before falling into cruising when Warren Titus hired her in 1970 to research the budding cruise industry for Royal Viking Line. After stints in advertising and industrial design in New York City, she moved to Holland America Line, where she met Joyce Landry and, together, they co-founded Landry & Kling.
Related Stories
Carnival Cruise Trades Free Trip for Teenager’s Snapchat Handle
Who’s Where in Travel: Leadership Changes at Amex Travel, Outrigger
Princess Cruises Launches New Upgrades Onboard Sapphire Princess