Scenic Group Appoints New COO and CIO to the Global Leadership Team

Scenic Group Appoints New COO and CIO to the Global Leadership Team

1 September 2026 - Scenic Group has appointed cruise industry leader Sture Myrmell as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the Group’s executive leadership team as it progresses one of the most significant growth periods in ship expansion during its 40-year history. His appointment follows the recent arrival of Riko van Santen as Chief Information Officer, strengthening our commitment to the adoption of advanced technology across the whole business.

Based in Scenic Group’s Zug office, Sture will lead global operations across the Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ portfolio of luxury river and ocean cruising, and land journey products. He brings extensive international cruise and travel leadership experience, having held senior positions with some of the industry’s most recognised brands, including Cunard, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. He later served as President of Carnival Australia, and Carnival UK, as Chief Operating Officer at Journey Beyond, and recently as President of Aroya Cruises.

Sture brings in-depth knowledge across operations, commercial strategy, guest experience and market development, with a career defined by leading complex international businesses and driving growth across global travel brands.

"Scenic Group has built an exceptional reputation for innovation, quality and delivering truly memorable travel experiences," said Sture Myrmell. "I am delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our global teams to build on this strong 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."

Scenic Group, Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney said Sture Myrmell’s appointment represents an important step to build on the Group’s continued growth from its 40 Years of Innovation:

"Sture is one of the most experienced and highly respected leaders in the global cruise industry," said Glen Moroney. "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.

"His appointment, alongside the recent addition of Riko van Santen as our new Chief Information Officer, significantly strengthens our executive leadership team. Together, these appointments reflect our continued investment in the people, capability and innovation required to support the next stage of Scenic Group’s global growth."

Riko van Santen joins Scenic Group with more than 25 years of global leadership experience in technology and digital transformation across the international hospitality sector. Formerly Chief Information Officer at Kempinski Hotels, he will lead Scenic Group’s technology strategy to support business growth, digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-led decision making.

Scenic Group’s strengthened leadership team comes as the company advances one of the most significant capacity expansion programs in its 40-year history across its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours brands.

The extensive pipeline includes the recently launched Emerald Kaia luxury yacht and Emerald Astra Star-Ship, operating on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. In 2027, Scenic Group will launch Emerald Lumi on the Seine River, Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River and the new luxury yacht Emerald Raiya. The expansion will continue in 2028 with new Scenic ships on the Mekong River, followed by Emerald Xara, the first Emerald Cruises ocean vessel to sail in the Asia-Pacific region, culminating in the inaugural season of Scenic Ikon in the Mediterranean and Antarctica.

Scenic Group is uniquely positioned to deliver this global growth through its vertically integrated model of designing, building, owning and operating its ships, supported by its specialist shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts.