McAlpine will be based in the company’s Sydney office, and report into Vice President International Sales, MSC Cruises & Explora Journeys; and Explora Global Head of Commercial Strategy & Sales Operations Francesco Iannaccone.
She will bring extensive commercial leadership experience to the role, with a strong track record across luxury cruising in particular, from her six years as Cunard Line’s Commercial Director – a role she was made redundant from in May this year.
McAlpine has for the past six months served as B2B Director of cruise packager Imagine Cruising.
“On behalf of the Cruise Division, I am delighted to welcome Katrina to the company,” Paradiso enthused.
“She brings with her a wealth of experience and will play a key role in strengthening our brands.
“This appointment reinforces our growing presence in the region and showcases our determination to continue delivering on the goals and commitments we’ve established for this important market.”
MSC Cruises has been without a local Managing Director since the departure of Lisa Teitotu 12 months ago.
Explora has never had a local MD, with Nicole Costantin serving as Head of Sales for the brand since coming on board almost three and a half years ago.
