Norbert Stiekema has been appointed Executive Vice President of Costa Crociere, commencing the role on 28 March 2011.

In order to maintain its leading position, Costa Crociere is adding a new position to its top management structure: a Corporate Sales and Marketing profile which will see Stiekema manage the sales department globally (Italy, France and Benelux, Spain and Portugal, Germany, UK & Growth Markets, North & Central America, South America and Asia-Pacific).

The change in structure has come due to new digital distribution channels and the boom of social media.

Stiekema, who will report directly to President Gianni Onorato, is joining the company from Eurodisney Paris, where he is currently Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution for Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line in EMEA.

Stiekema speaks fluent Italian, as well as English, Dutch, French and German.