Ruben Perez Leaves Costa Cruises, Sales Team Gets New BDMs

Costa Cruises has modified its sales organization in the North American market, replacing Ruben Perez, general manager of Costa Cruises North America with Dario Rustico who will serve as general manager of North and South America. Ruben was with Costa Cruises for more than 40 years.

“We are sincerely grateful to Ruben for his recognized contribution to the Costa brand in the U.S. over the years and for his long contribution to the whole Costa organization,” said Mario Zanetti, president Costa Cruises. “His managerial skills have been pivotal to lead the North American team over the past years.”

As part of the reorganization, the North American market will be served through a new sales team led by Erik Jaramillo, who was promoted to head of sales, Costa North America. In this role, Jaramillo will oversee strategic and national accounts, charter and incentives, and field sales, reporting to Rustico.

Jaramillo joined Costa Cruises in 1996 and has served in a variety of positions.

 Jaramillo’s team will be augmented with the addition of Yeniss Palacio, Priscilla Reyes, and Becky Tate, who join Costa in the role of business development managers.  

Tate joins Costa with more than 35 years in the travel industry. She will oversee Central and North Florida and the East Coast. Reyes brings nearly 20 years of sales and client services experience to Costa and will be responsible for the West Coast and Canada. Palacio will oversee South Florida, the Midwest, and the Caribbean.