Scenic Group has appointed veteran cruise executive Sture Myrmell as its new chief operating officer.
Based at the company’s office in Zug, Switzerland, Myrmell will lead global operations across the group’s portfolio of river cruises, ocean voyages and land journeys, including the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours brands.
His appointment follows the arrival of Riko van Santen as Scenic Group’s chief information officer. Van Santen, formerly chief information officer at Kempinski Hotels, will oversee technology strategy, digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-led decision-making across the business.
Experienced cruise-industry appointment
Myrmell brings more than three decades of cruise and travel-industry experience to the role. His career has included senior positions with Cunard, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.
He later served as president of Carnival Australia and president of Carnival UK, where he oversaw major British cruise brands including P&O Cruises and Cunard. More recently, he was chief operating officer at Australian tourism operator Journey Beyond and had a short tenure as president of Aroya Cruises.
Myrmell said Scenic Group had established a strong reputation for innovation, quality and memorable travel experiences, adding that he saw an opportunity to strengthen operational excellence while maintaining the elevated guest experience associated with the company’s brands.
Scenic strengthens leadership during expansion
Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney described Myrmell as one of the global cruise industry’s most experienced and respected leaders.
Moroney said Myrmell’s operational knowledge, commercial experience and record of leading international teams would support Scenic Group as it expands its luxury-yacht and river-cruise portfolio.
The leadership appointments come during a busy period of fleet development. The group has recently introduced the Emerald Kaia luxury yacht and the Emerald Astra river ship.
Further additions planned for 2027 include Emerald Lumi on the River Seine, Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River and the ocean-going yacht Emerald Raiya.
Expansion is scheduled to continue in 2028 with new Scenic vessels on the Mekong, the Asia-Pacific debut of Emerald Xara, and the inaugural Mediterranean and Antarctica seasons of Scenic Ikon.
About Scenic Group
Scenic Group operates Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises & Tours and Mayflower Cruises & Tours. Its portfolio covers European and international river cruising, luxury ocean yachts and escorted land journeys.
The appointments were announced on 1 September 2026.