Antonio Paradiso, UK and Ireland Managing Director of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys has been appointed as Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s Cruise Division in recognition of the continued growth and success of the UK and Irish market. This newly created headquarters role sees Paradiso reporting to Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, assuming responsibility for Australia, South Africa and Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland) for MSC Cruises and he will also continue to serve as Managing Director of the UK and Irish Markets for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
MSC Cruises’ Country Managers of Scandinavia, Claes Tamm, Australia & New Zealand, Lisa Teiotu, and South Africa, Ross Volk, will report to Antonio Paradiso.
“I would like to thank the MSC Group for putting their trust in me with this new position. I have worked for MSC for 16 years and have been on an incredible journey of growth within the organization as I have progressed through the business. I am delighted to take on this new professional challenge and I am proud to further contribute to the success of this company globally.” Antonio Paradiso commented.
Also of central importance is Antonio Paradiso’s position as the Managing Director for Explora Journeys in the UK and Ireland, the recently launched luxury ocean travel brand that has already seen one incredible ship built in Italy by Fincantieri and within five years will grow to a fleet of six luxury units with a total capacity of more than 2,700 suites.
With over 20 years experience in commercial business and over 16 years in travel tourism, Antonio Paradiso brings extensive expertise to MSC Cruises, having overseen operations in more than 40 countries. Starting at the British Consulate in Italy, Paradiso’s journey at MSC Cruises began in 2008 as Commercial Manager for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Rising swiftly, he led operations across 30 countries as Executive Director for Asia and emerging markets in 2012. Appointed Managing Director of the UK and Ireland in 2016, he now also serves as the Vice President of International Sales for MSC Cruises. In 2023, he was also named Managing Director of Explora Journeys for the UK & Irish Market.