Explora Journeys Names Lara Koslow North America President, Expands Chris Austin’s Role

Explora Journeys is strengthening its North American leadership team with two senior appointments as the luxury ocean travel brand prepares for its next phase of growth.

The MSC Group-owned brand has named Lara Koslow president, North America, effective Nov. 30, 2026, while Chris Austin will assume the newly created position of president, luxury travel partnerships.

The appointments come as Explora Journeys expands its fleet, introduces new destinations and looks to strengthen its relationships with travel advisors across the region.

Based in Miami, Koslow will oversee the brand’s North American operations, including commercial management, marketing and sales across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

She will report directly to Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO, North America of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, while working closely with Explora Journeys Global President Anna Nash, who is based at the company’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Koslow joins Explora Journeys from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she spent more than 20 years advising consumer brands, particularly in the travel, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Most recently, she served as managing director and senior partner, leading BCG’s global customer business and helping companies strengthen customer experiences and commercial performance.

New Role For Chris Austin

Austin, who has played a key role in growing Explora Journeys’ presence in North America, will continue overseeing trade sales, trade marketing and trade sales support while reporting directly to Koslow.

He will also remain a key spokesperson and brand ambassador.

His expanded responsibilities will include developing new distribution channels and trade partnerships, as well as working with MSC Cruises North America to broaden distribution for MSC Yacht Club and identify opportunities for collaboration between the two brands.

“North America is fundamental to the continued growth of Explora Journeys, and as our fleet and destination portfolio expand, strengthening our leadership in this important market is a natural next step,” said Nash in a press release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lara and congratulate Chris on his new role. Chris has played an instrumental part in driving our ambitions in North America, and we are grateful for his continued leadership and expertise. Lara’s extensive experience in driving growth across the travel, hospitality and luxury sectors will further strengthen our team as we enter this exciting next chapter.”

Rodríguez also welcomed the appointments.

“Lara Koslow is a fantastic addition to our leadership team for Explora Journeys in North America.  Her compelling capabilities and extensive experience have resulted in guiding very successful travel and leisure brands to deliver accelerated growth and outstanding guest experience. I am equally delighted that Chris Austin will now take on a new role leading luxury travel partnerships for Explora Journeys and building synergies with MSC Yacht Club. Chris’ remarkable leadership has been a key contributor to Explora Journeys’ rapid growth,” said Rodríguez.

Fleet Expansion, New Destinations

The leadership changes come during a period of significant expansion for Explora Journeys, which now has three ocean ships in operation and another three under construction.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II debuted in 2023 and 2024, respectively, followed by EXPLORA III in 2026, the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel.

EXPLORA IV is scheduled to arrive in early 2027, with EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI expected to join the fleet through 2027 and 2028.

By 2028, the brand expects to have six ocean ships in operation.

Explora Journeys is also preparing to enter the river cruise market, further expanding its luxury travel portfolio.

On the destination front, the brand is introducing Alaska itineraries in 2027, Asia sailings in 2027/28 and South America in 2028, followed by its World Journey in 2029.