MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise line and market leader in the Mediterranean, has further strengthened its Geneva-based global management team with the appointment of Luca Biondolillo to the newly created role of chief communications officer.

Biondolillo, 48, will join the business on March 2nd and report to chief executive Gianni Onorato.

Onorato said: “Luca joins us at a crucial time in our corporate development as we pursue a €5 billion fleet enlargement plan to double our current capacity by 2022.

“Last year was another standout year for MSC Cruises, and it is within this context that I’m pleased to welcome Luca to the Company’s senior executive structure.

“His profile fits MSC extremely well, since he has worked extensively with both private and publicly-traded, family-controlled multinational corporations.

“His communication leadership will be key to ensuring that we continue to build upon a reputation earned through 300 years of seafaring.”

Having served most recently as head of corporate communications and public affairs for Benetton Group, the parent company of United Colours of Benetton and other leading global fashion brands, Biondolillo has nearly 20 years’ experience in high-level corporate, financial and sustainability communications in multicultural global settings.

Biondolillo, who holds both US and Italian citizenship and has lived and worked internationally for the past 25 years, has extensive communications experience, including global reputation management, corporate social responsibility communications, as well as issues management and crisis communications.

He has both led and consulted in communications for publicly traded as well as private global corporations in a range of sectors, including fashion, luxury, food, manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, transportation, automotive, high-tech and others.

Additionally, Biondolillo has a significant track record at the financial end of communications.