Explora Journeys Names Lara Koslow President of North America, Elevates Chris Austin

Explora Journeys has strengthened its leadership in North America with a slight reorganization that sees Chris Austin transition to the role of president, luxury travel partnerships. Replacing Austin as president of North America will be Lara Koslow.

The new structure will sharpen commercial focus, accelerate market development, and deepen engagement with the travel advisor community.

“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 Anna Nash, Explora Journeys global president.

“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.”

Koslow’s appointment is effective Nov. 30, 2026. Based in Miami, she will report directly to Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO, North America of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, while working in close alignment with Explora Journeys global president Anna Nash who is based at the brand’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

In her new role, Koslow will lead the Explora Journeys organization in North America, spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico, across commercial management, marketing, and sales. Koslow joins Explora Journeys from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she spent more than 20 years advising leading consumer brands, particularly in the travel, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

“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,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO, North America of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division. “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.”

As part of the restructure, Chris Austin will assume an expanded strategic role as president, luxury travel partnerships, reporting directly to Koslow. Building on his significant contribution to Explora Journeys’ growth in North America, he will continue to lead trade sales, trade marketing, and trade sales support in the region and remain a key brand ambassador and spokesperson.

His broader remit will cover new distribution channels and trade partnerships, including working with MSC Cruises North America to broaden distribution for MSC Yacht Club and identify synergies between the two brands.

The redesigned leadership structure coincides with a significant stage in Explora Journeys’ development. Three ships are now operating and three are under construction, including two scheduled for delivery in 2027, while the brand is also preparing to expand into river cruising.