The new Royal Caribbean management structure for the new UK & Ireland is taking shape with the appointment of hospitality and leisure industry veteran Stuart Leven to the role of managing director.

In addition, Dominic Paul is taking on an expanded role as vice president, international, reporting directly to Royal Caribbean International president, Adam Goldstein.

Paul was previously responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and he now adds Latin America, Asia Pacific and the Caribbean to his remit for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

Plus he continues in his role as managing director of RCL Cruises.

Stuart Leven will work alongside Jo Rzymowska who will lead the UK & Ireland Celebrity Cruises business.

Both roles are new, and follow the announcement that the UK & Ireland office is creating three dedicated businesses for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises in response to the significant market growth achieved.

Leven brings a 20-year track record in the leisure and hospitality industry including airlines, travel agencies and hotels to the Royal Caribbean International UK & Ireland business.

He has held senior roles in businesses such as IHG, Thistle and Guoman Hotels, Choice Hotels Europe and KLM.

Dominic Paul, vice president, international, comments: “We are evolving our business to be in the best possible position for future growth.

“Our new structure in the UK and Ireland, and the industry-leading management teams now taking shape, means that we can confidently deliver against the individual growth strategies of Royal Caribbean International, Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

“We hope to be able to announce the new leadership role for Azamara Club Cruises very soon.”

Royal Caribbean International, Azamara Club Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises are currently recruiting for additional sales and marketing roles created by the move to dedicated teams for each brand, which will be in place by January 2014.

Operating each of the three cruise lines – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises – as individual businesses is an important milestone in the history of the overall global organisation.

It is the first time that outside North America any of the brands will enjoy such commitment, focus and investment.