Hanrahan leaving Celebrity

Daniel Hanrahan has announced that he’s leaving his post as the president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises at the end of July to “take an exciting new opportunity.” In making the announcement, Hanrahan said: “While leaving Celebrity isn’t easy for me, I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish the last seven years. The delivery of Celebrity Solstice in 2008 changed what was a great brand into the finest premium cruise line in the industry. In four years, we took delivery of five new ships, ‘Solsticized’ the Millennium class, repositioned the brand around ‘Modern Luxury,’ achieved record high guest ratings and won numerous awards as the best sales organization. Not to mention, we saw our profitability improve dramatically. To say I’m leaving Celebrity in good hands is an understatement. From our teams here in Miami and Wichita, to our crew members on Celebrity ships around the world, this is the finest group of professionals I have ever worked with. I know the Celebrity momentum will continue.” Hanrahan continued: “Finally, I want to thank all the people of Celebrity for their support and help to me over the past years. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the wonderful opportunities our company provided. I’ll always look back proudly on what we have accomplished and be thankful for all the wonderful people who have touched my life.” Commenting on Hanrahan’s departure, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.’s chairman and CEO, Richard D. Fain said: “Royal Caribbean has been very fortunate to have benefited from Dan’s leadership and vision over the past 13 years. Dan has made countless contributions to the company, such as leading the creation of the award-winning ‘Get Out There’ campaign for Royal Caribbean International, to transforming the Celebrity brand with the stunning Solstice Class fleet. I wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to the next phase of what I’m certain will continue to be a very successful career.” Fain added: “Fortunately, Dan is leaving a very strong organization, and we are lucky to have great bench strength to continue our vision. While I am sorry to see Dan leave our family, with the strong base of the Celebrity organization and the continued support of the travel agent community, I know Celebrity’s future is in good hands.”