AmaWaterways announced Tuesday that Catherine Powell will join the company as president, while co-founder and co-owner Kristin Karst will relinquish her role as executive vice president.
Karst will take on the position of chief brand ambassador. Co-founder and co-owner Rudi Schreiner remains CEO.
"I very much look forward to not only creating more awareness and forging relationships internationally, but to maintaining and strengthening our very important relationships with our travel trade partners who have always been at the heart of AmaWaterways," Karst said.
Powell will work alongside Schreiner and Karst. Schreiner lauded Powell's vision for the company, saying it "aligns perfectly with our ethos."
AmaWaterways called Powell "a distinguished business leader with an impressive track record of driving growth and strategic transformation across the entertainment, hospitality and travel industries."
Most recently, Powell was global head of hosting at Airbnb. She had spent 15-plus years at the Walt Disney Company, including stints as president of Disney Parks Western Region and president of Disneyland Paris.
Catherine Powell
"I am thrilled and honored to join AmaWaterways as its new president," Powell said in an announcement. "The company's commitment to exceptional guest experiences, innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my own values and vision for the future of travel. Having spent my career in entertainment and hospitality, I am excited to bring my passion for creating unforgettable moments to the world of luxury river cruising."
Powell will report to Schreiner, who said Powell's experience will be instrumental in the company exploring new opportunities in the luxury river cruise market.
AmaWaterways was founded in 2002 by Schreiner, Karst and the late Jimmy Murphy. The company has a fleet of nearly 30 ships, operating in Europe, Egypt, Vietnam/Cambodia and Colombia.