The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has appointed Alan Leibman as chief executive officer and Tatiana Ferreira as president, bringing changes to its senior leadership as the company continues to expand its three-yacht fleet.
Leibman, who has served on the company’s board of directors, brings more than 30 years of international luxury hospitality experience. His appointment also marks a return to The Ritz-Carlton, where he began his career in 1990 and became the youngest general manager in the brand’s history at the age of 25.
Ferreira, previously chief sales officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will retain responsibility for sales and commercial activities. Her expanded role will also cover information technology, marketing and guest experience.
According to the company, bringing these functions together under Ferreira’s leadership is intended to support its growth and improve the guest experience across the customer journey.
Leadership Changes at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Jim Murren, executive chairman of the board of directors of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said the appointments would support the company’s next stage of development.
“The Ritz-Carlton has built an extraordinary legacy by continually evolving what luxury hospitality can mean, and we are carrying that vision forward at sea,” said Jim Murren, executive chairman of the board of directors of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Luxury travelers today are extraordinarily discerning in the choices they make, and earning their loyalty requires us to create experiences that are both deeply personal and unmistakably Ritz-Carlton. Alan brings decades of global hospitality experience and a genuine understanding of our business. Together with Tatiana’s commercial strength and her deep relationships across the luxury travel community, we have the leadership to build on our momentum and help define the next chapter of The Ritz-Carlton legacy.”
Anthony Capuano, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the yacht collection.
“We remain committed to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and the distinctive experience it brings to luxury travelers,” said Anthony Capuano, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently operates three yachts sailing in international waters. Its development strategy includes partnerships and collaborations intended to strengthen its connections with luxury travellers and audiences beyond traditional travel.
Alan Leibman Returns to The Ritz-Carlton
Before joining The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as CEO, Leibman served as chief executive officer of Kerzner International, overseeing its Atlantis and One&Only portfolios across five continents.
He began his hospitality career in 1990 at The Ritz-Carlton in Houston, where he later became general manager. At 25, he became the youngest general manager in the brand’s history.
Leibman has also advised hospitality and travel companies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, he previously served as a senior adviser to Oaktree and remains a member of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s board of directors.
He succeeds Ernesto Fara, who led the company through an important period of its development. The board has expressed its appreciation for Fara’s contributions.
Commenting on his appointment, Leibman said:
“The Ritz-Carlton has been an important part of my career since the beginning, and returning to the brand is especially meaningful,” Leibman said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to build on what the team has achieved and further distinguish the luxury hospitality experience we deliver at sea. I look forward to working with Tatiana and our Ladies and Gentlemen to continue to create exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Tatiana Ferreira Takes on Expanded Responsibilities
Ferreira brings nearly 25 years of experience with consumer and luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and The Walt Disney Company.
In addition to her previous responsibilities as chief sales officer, she will now oversee information technology, marketing and guest experience.
Her expanded portfolio brings together commercial operations and several functions directly related to the customer journey.
Ferreira said:
“At the heart of everything we do is the guest, and I’m excited to work alongside our exceptional teams to create highly personalized, memorable experiences that feel truly special and unlike anything else in luxury travel. As we look ahead, we have an incredible opportunity to introduce The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to even more luxury travelers, deepen our relationships with valued travel partners, and find new and creative ways to bring the experience to life.”
The company also described the yacht collection as an extension of The Ritz-Carlton brand, with a focus on delivering its established service standards across its maritime operations.
“The collection is a unique expression of The Ritz-Carlton brand, delivering the exceptional service guests have come to expect in more ways and in more places.”
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