Signature Names Former Azamara and Royal Executive Michelle Lardizabal as Chief Marketing & Sales Officer

Signature Travel Network on Wednesday rounded out its leadership team with the appointment of 25-year travel industry veteran Michelle Lardizabal as Chief Marketing & Sales Officer.

Lardizabal, who concludes her tenure as CSO at Azamara on May 1, will officially join Signature on May 11. In her new role, she will report to President Karryn Christopher and oversee Signature’s global partnership portfolio, including cruise, hotel, and land suppliers.

Beyond partnerships, Lardizabal will also be tasked with evolving Signature’s data strategy and multi-channel marketing—spanning digital, social, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

She joins a growing team of vice presidents, including Christine Conklin (Marketing), Jordin Greene (Hotel Partnerships), and Jill Saliba (Head of Analytics), among others. She also joins an evolving Signature leadership team that is highlighted by Christopher’s appointment as president last year.

“Signature’s reputation, culture, and momentum make it an incredibly compelling organization,” said Lardizabal. “From the strength of its member network to the depth of its preferred partnerships, Signature has built a truly differentiated consortia in the industry. I’m excited to collaborate with this talented team and build on its strong foundation to help further elevate the ways we support our members and partners. Together, we have a meaningful opportunity to drive continued innovation, strengthen strategic relationships, and deliver even greater value across the network as we look to the future.” 

Lardizabal’s resume includes more than a decade at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., as well as leadership stints at MSC Cruises and Club Med. She currently serves as co-chair of the CLIA Trade Relations Committee and is a founding board member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality.

Her first appearance in the new role will be at Signature’s Regional Management meetings beginning May 18 in Fort Lauderdale.