Scenic Group has appointed cruise industry veteran Sture Myrmell as chief operating officer, alongside the recent arrival of Riko van Santen as chief information officer, strengthening its executive team as the company progresses a significant ship expansion program.
New COO brings extensive cruise industry background
Based in Scenic Group’s Zug office, Myrmell will lead global operations across the Scenic and Emerald Cruises portfolio of river and ocean cruising and land journey products. He has held senior roles with Cunard, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia, later serving as president of Carnival Australia and Carnival UK, chief operating officer at Journey Beyond, and most recently as president of Aroya Cruises.
Myrmell said he sees significant opportunity to build on Scenic’s existing operational foundation. “There is a significant opportunity to further strengthen operational excellence while continuing to deliver the elevated guest experiences that define Scenic Group’s brands,” Myrmell said.
Glen Moroney, Scenic Group founder and chairman, said the appointment reflects continued investment in leadership capability. “Sture is one of the most experienced and highly respected leaders in the global cruise industry. His depth of operational expertise, commercial acumen and proven ability to lead international teams will be invaluable as Scenic Group continues to expand its luxury yacht and river cruise portfolio,” Moroney said.
CIO to lead technology strategy amid fleet expansion
Riko van Santen joins with more than 25 years of technology and digital transformation experience in international hospitality, most recently as chief information officer at Kempinski Hotels. He will lead Scenic Group’s technology strategy across digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-led decision making.
The appointments come as Scenic Group advances a major capacity expansion, including the recently launched Emerald Kaia and Emerald Astra Star-Ship. Further additions planned for 2027 include Emerald Lumi on the Seine, Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River and luxury yacht Emerald Raiya, followed in 2028 by new Scenic ships on the Mekong River, Emerald Xara as the brand’s first Asia-Pacific ocean vessel, and the inaugural season of Scenic Ikon in the Mediterranean and Antarctica.
For agents selling Scenic and Emerald Cruises product, the strengthened leadership team signals continued investment in operational capacity as the company works through one of its largest fleet expansion periods, relevant for advisors tracking upcoming ship launches and itinerary availability across multiple river and ocean regions.
