Small-ship cruise line Azamara has named a new chief executive officer. 

The company has tapped Dondra Ritzenthaler as its new chief executive officer; Ritzenthaler was most recently the senior Vice President of sales, trade support and services for the Americas for Celebrity Cruises. 

She also spent 20 years previously working with American Airlines. 

“Azamara provides a unique and exciting offering within the luxury cruise space, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the company into its next chapter,” said Ritzenthaler. “I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners to better serve the customer base and grow the Azamara brand.”

Ritzenthaler will take over the role in May 2024. Until that time, Dan Hanrahan, chair of Azamara, will provide “day-to-day leadership and oversight of the team.”

The company also announced the appointment of Alain Ferzli as its new chief financial officer. 

“Our team has worked diligently to maintain a solid foundation for Azamara amid unique industry-wide challenges over the last several years,” Hanrahan said. “Dondra and Alain’s deep knowledge of and experience leading cruise lines will support the shift of our focus to expanding our business and realizing Azamara’s full potential.”