Scenic Group Names New COO and CIO to Global Leadership Team

Scenic Group has appointed cruise industry veteran Sture Myrmell as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the group’s executive leadership team amidst one of the most significant growth periods in ship expansion during its 40-year history. 

Myrmell’s appointment follows the recent arrival of Riko van Santen as Chief Information Officer, strengthening Scenic Group’s 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 recognized 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.

“Scenic Group has built an exceptional reputation for innovation, quality and delivering truly memorable travel experiences,” said 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 Myrmell’s appointment represents an important step to build on the group’s continued growth.

“Sture is one of the most experienced and highly respected leaders in the global cruise industry,” said 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.

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 adds significant capacity 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.