Michael Ungerer takes over management of A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH - New Chairman of the Advisory Board appointed

Bild: AROSA
A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH, headquartered in Rostock, has announced a significant change in its management structure. Michael Ungerer, an experienced personality in the cruise and hotel industry, will take over the position of Chairman of the Advisory Board of the A-ROSA Group with immediate effect. Ungerer brings with him a long career in the hotel and cruise industry, which began in 1988 with Norwegian Cruise Lines, Sonesta Hotels & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. In 2004, he joined AIDA Cruises as Senior Vice President Operations before becoming its President in 2012. From 2015 to 2018, he was Chief Operating Officer for Asia at Carnival Corporation. Most recently, he was CEO of the luxury start-up Explora Journeys. A-ROSA welcomes him with great pleasure and is convinced that his expertise will help to further strengthen and expand the company as a leading provider in the premium river cruise segment.

Michael Ungerer commented on his new position as follows: “It is a great honor to have been appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board of A-ROSA. I was involved in the development of the A-ROSA brand over two decades ago and have watched it grow continuously despite many challenges. I look forward to providing strategic support to the management, owners and all other stakeholders as we embark on the next phase of A-ROSA's growth.”

In parallel to this new appointment, A-ROSA announced that Jörg Eichler, who has served as Managing Director and CEO of the company since 2013, will step down from his position by mid-2025 at the latest. Eichler plans to dedicate himself to a new professional challenge in the tourism industry after more than a decade of successful management. Under his leadership, the A-ROSA fleet has grown from ten to 15 ships, sailing on the most important European rivers such as the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine. Together with his team, Eichler managed to quickly get A-ROSA back on track for growth after the difficult years of the coronavirus pandemic. In 2023, the company achieved record sales and occupancy rates, which are set to be surpassed again in 2024.

A-ROSA intends to find a suitable successor for Jörg Eichler in the near future in order to continue the company's success story. Eichler will continue to perform his role as Managing Director in full until he hands over his responsibilities. Even after his resignation, he will remain closely associated with the company as a co-partner. Markus Zoepke, COO since 2003 and also a co-shareholder, will remain responsible for operations at the Chur site in Switzerland.

The shareholders of A-ROSA would like to thank Jörg Eichler for his great commitment and outstanding management. They look forward to working with him in the search for a successor and in shaping the transition process.