Edie Rodriguez Resigns from Crystal Cruises, Tom Wolber Appointed New CEO

Crystal Cruises president and CEO Edie Rodriguez has stepped down from the position and will be replaced by travel industry veteran Tom Wolber effective immediately, Genting Hong Kong announced today.

Wolber most recently worked at the Walt Disney Company for 28 years, including a decade as the senior vice president of operations with Disney Cruise Line. Wolber was at Disney Cruise when the line expanded outside of North America, adding itineraries around the world including new sailings in the Mediterranean and the Baltic. Wolber also played a significant role in the launches of Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

“Tom has our full confidence and we look forward to working closely with him to ensuring Crystal remains unmatched in the luxury travel segment,” Genting Hong Kong chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said in a statement.

Crystal, which was purchased by Genting in 2015, is in the midst of a major expansion that it hoped would make it a force in segments across the industry. Additions such as new river ships, renovations to its ocean vessels Serenity and Symphony, expedition ships, and a new a Boeing 777 luxury flying cruise ship for its AirCruise segment are on all tap for the cruise line over the next few years.

"I thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim for placing his faith in me, and I look forward to spearheading some of the most innovative new-builds and experiences the cruise and hospitality industry has ever seen in the years ahead," Wolber said in a statement.

Rodriguez's departure comes as a surprise for many. Rodriguez joined Crystal in 2013 and was then promoted to president and CEO after Genting purchased it in 2015.

Her resignation marks the second executive departure for Crystal this year. Former chief operating officer Thomas Mazloum left the company in April for another opportunity within the cruise industry.