Silversea Cruises has announced the appointment of Mark Conroy as head of the company's Miami office, which has responsibility for the Americas.
The company also confirms that Kristian Anderson has stepped down as Silversea's senior vice president and general manager for the Americas.
Named to the 2013 Cruise Industry Hall of Fame by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Conroy is a former president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and has served as an executive advisor for Prestige Cruise Holdings. Previously, Conroy was president and CEO for Diamond Cruise; president of both Renaissance Cruises and Commodore Cruise Line; and vice president of sales for Royal Viking Line.
Conroy also chaired the CLIA Executive Committee from 2002-2004. Conroy’s cruise industry career began in 1973 in the mailroom of Norwegian Cruise Line, while he was studying at the University of Miami. He graduated summa cum laude in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in business.
This appointment has created a buzz of positive feedback within the advisor community. "He is a great guy and a powerhouse in the luxury market and has so much to offer Silversea as they go into their next chapter with a newbuild on the way," says Vicky Garcia, co-owner and chief operating officer of Cruise Planners.
Meanwhile, Mary Jean Thompson, a Virtuoso travel advisor with TravelDesigns by Campbell, tells Luxury Travel Advisor that "Mark Conroy is very well respected by travel advisors and more importantly, his personal relationship with past cruise guests. My clients often ask about him and share memories of sailing with him."