2025 Speakers

Alejandra Obregon a Colombian-American architect and the Senior Director of Design at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where she leads the creation of next-generation luxury experiences at sea. Her design philosophy is shaped by an international career that spans New York, Miami, Beijing, France, and Spain, giving her a uniquely global perspective on hospitality and innovation. Renowned for her work in ultra-luxury design, Alejandra brings a distinct combination of creative vision and strategic leadership. She excels at steering complex, multidisciplinary teams—uniting designers, consultants, and stakeholders around a shared vision. Her collaborative approach results in bold, transformative spaces that redefine the boundaries of modern luxury at sea. At The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, she leads a talented team of architects and designers in delivering pioneering vessels that blend aesthetics, performance, and experience. Her latest accomplishments include the design leadership behind Ilma and Luminara, two groundbreaking Newbuilds constructed in partnership with Chantiers de’l Atlantique delivered in 2024 and 2025.

Alys is a passionate design editor who thrives on sparking conversations that challenge, educate, and push the commercial interiors sector forward. With 20 years of experience as a commercial furniture designer, she brings a rare depth of industry insight to her role as Editorial Director of Design Insider and Marketing Director of trade association Commercial Interiors UK.

Leading the publication’s editorial direction, Alys curates compelling content and orchestrates dynamic industry events, including thought-provoking talks that bring designers and suppliers together. What she loves most about her role is bringing together voices from across the commercial community, ensuring every piece of editorial speaks directly to the needs of commercial interior designers, architects, suppliers and operators. An emerging speaker and presenter, Alys is dedicated to amplifying the ideas shaping the future of commercial design.

Andy has over 25 years’ experience in design and has worked internationally on many large-scale leisure developments. His continued drive and enthusiasm for innovative relevant design keeps SMC fresh, dynamic, and relevant. Passionate about good design, he is adept at combining years of experience with innovative and new thinking to produce unique and challenging creative solutions for clients. Andy believes that SMC’s success is down to its people and their approach to design, both of which continue to strengthen the company and benefit clients around the world.

Barbara Wiethoff is a partner at JOI-Design, where she leads hospitality and cruise ship interior design projects. With Master’s degrees in both Interior Architecture and Architecture from the Technical University of Düsseldorf, Barbara brings over 20 years of experience to the field. Her career has spanned yacht design, high-end private interiors, and retail architecture, equipping her with a diverse skill set and a keen eye for cross-cultural creativity and detail. Since joining JOI-Design in 2007, she has played a key role in shaping the firm’s luxury design approach, combining elegance with technical precision. Promoted to partner in 2024, Barbara now helps guide the studio into a new era, continuing its legacy while evolving with the changing needs of global clients. Passionate about blending functionality with beauty, she is dedicated to creating spaces that inspire, engage, and reflect the unique stories and identities of the people who experience them.

Chris is speaking at CSI Design Expo Europe, their full bio will be available shortly.

Daniela Herget has more than 28 Years of experience in the Cruise & Hotel industry worldwide. Originally coming from the Interior Design and outfitting field, Daniela has started early to work abroad & on ships to develop her unique Career in the Cruise & Hotel Industry.

She has worked in various Senior Management Positions on Cruise & Expedition Vessels, Ocean-going and River cruise ships (Hotel-Director, Financial Controller, Chief Purser, Cruise Director…) and has a strong Hotel-/Ship Operational as well as Financial Background.

After many years in Hotel operations at Sea and supporting various Cruise Startup Teams in different countries, she decided to combine her two passions for Cruise ships and Interior Design & Outfitting. She started her Business as a “Consultant for the Cruise industry” in 2010 specialising in process optimizing and Architectural Design Project Management, Daniela has extensive knowledge of international regulatory requirements for Ships operations and interior design and supports the Owners and Designers with the compliance part.

As a very result-driven and motivated Person with great attention to detail, Daniela has developed the LEAN INTERIOR OUTFITTING “Train” for Large Cruise Ship Refurbishments in collaboration with Porsche Consulting, RCCL. On more than 12 Refurbs this proved an efficiency Increase of more than 150% on highly repetitive areas like Staterooms, Suites, Crew Cabins etc..
The Industry has seen huge value in Daniela’s extensive and unique set of professionals. She is hired by Oceangoing-, River Cruise lines and ship owners worldwide to help them during start-up or leading difficult projects on the Interior Design & Outfitting side. Many years for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Newbuild & Fleetdesign, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Expedition Newbuild Ultramarine and many more. Daniela has just started a new Refurbishment Project and supports some (well known CSI Members) Suppliers & Outfitters with their product launch or as their European-/ Cruise representative.

She is well known and respected for her extensive Industry knowledge and management experience in international Teams and in particular for European – US relationships and company cooperations or Joint-ventures.

Marcus has more than 25 years of experience in procurement and operations and is with Roland Berger since 2019 where he leads the procurement team. Before Roland Berger he was co-owner of a leading boutique procurement and supply chain consulting firm and also headed the operations department of an international consulting firm. His focus is on the transformation and digitalization of procurement functions as well as on the implementation of cost optimization programs.

From Hamburg, Germany, Elisabeth began her hospitality career with formal training at the renowned Kempinski Hotel in Munich. Eager to broaden her horizons, she soon ventured abroad, gaining valuable international experience in private households across Switzerland, England, and Jordan, where she served as House Manager and Personal Assistant.

After returning to Germany, Elisabeth settled in Frankfurt, working in various service-oriented enterprises before discovering her true calling in the cruise industry. She joined Sea Cloud Cruises as Hotel Manager aboard the Sea Cloud II, where she served for five years.

In 2018, Elisabeth brought her expertise to Azamara, where she has since held the position of Hotel Director across the fleet. She played a key role in the refurbishment of the Azamara Pursuit and led the hotel area refurbishment project for the Azamara Onward.

Fabian Stanger is a German design professional with nearly two decades of experience in the maritime industry, specializing in maritime design and construction. Throughout his career, he has held leading roles at renowned shipyards and design studios, including Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, Abeking & Rasmussen, Omega Architects, and Sinot.

From concept development and exterior design to construction management for both new builds and refits, Fabian’s work successfully showcases the balance between aesthetics and functionality in a very demanding field. His portfolio includes notable projects such as the M/Y Milele, the Research Vessel Polarstern, and the Ferry GCN Navie Express.

Gabi Haupt is Director of Cruise Experience at Riverside Luxury Cruises. She brings over 20 years of experience in the luxury cruise segment, having previously managed for almost 20 years the product on board the iconic MS EUROPA. Her focus has always been on creating consistent, high-quality experiences with attention to detail and a clear understanding of guest expectations. At Riverside, she is responsible for shaping the onboard experience across all vessels — from service concepts to signature moments — with the aim of combining the intimacy of river cruising with the standards of international luxury travel.

Giustino Del Guercio is a skilled Naval Architect and Marine Engineer with extensive experience in the maritime industry. He joined MSC Cruise Management in 2019 as part of the Marine Operations Department, where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the Vessels. Prior to his time with MSC, Giustino worked in ship refitting, gaining a wealth of handson experience in vessel upgrades and repairs. During his tenure with MSC, Giustino has led numerous high-profile fleet-wide projects, collaborating with key industry bodies and institutions. His deep operational expertise eventually led him to expand his role into New Buildings, where he managed the successful delivery of the first prototype of MSC Cruises’ latest class of vessels. He has also played a crucial role in the development of all upcoming sister ships. As Senior Project Manager for the World Class series, Giustino now leads and coordinates collaboration among all major internal and external project stakeholders. His leadership spans the entire process, from initial concept and specification to the successful delivery of the ships.

Hamish Kilburn, Journalist, Presenter and Owner and Director of award-winning PR agency, Kilburn Communications, is a respected voice in the design and hospitality industries that . Formerly the Editor of Hotel Designs and Features Editor of SPACE Magazine, Kilburn has built a career around storytelling, thought leadership, and connecting industry pioneers.

As the host of two series of Marriott Bonvoy’s acclaimed podcast, Travel By Design, Kilburn constantly showcases his expertise and influence by engaging with globally renowned interior designers, architects and hospitality visionaries across various platforms – on stage, in print and on screen.

Hans Heger is an experienced cruise industry executive with a strong track record in the design, development, and launch of expedition and luxury vessels. As VP Operations at Swan Hellenic Cruises, he has overseen the start-up and delivery of the SH Minerva, SH Vega, and SH Diana—three cutting-edge expedition ships built for polar and remote destination cruising. Previously, as GM Operations at Scenic Discovery Yachts, he led the operational development of Scenic Eclipse, a pioneering ultra-luxury vessel featuring helicopters, a submarine, and advanced marine systems. His early career included senior roles at Silversea Cruises and V.Ships Leisure, where he gained deep expertise in hotel operations, project management, and shipboard services. He is also the founder of Marine Hospitality Consulting, advising shipowners and designers on vessel concept development and onboard experience integration. Fluent in six languages, Hans combines operational know-how with a passion for innovative, functional ship design.

Jan is currently serving as the Chief Procurement Officer at Meyer Werft GmbH. He is an experienced procurement executive with a 28-year track record in the automotive, agricultural machinery, oil & gas, and consulting industries. Throughout his career, he has worked for global players such as AGCO Corp., Benteler Automotive, and ThyssenKrupp. Jan has gained extensive international experience and has led several global procurement organizations and transformation initiatives.

Jason Gelineau, an authority in cruise and hospitality consulting based in Australia, with over thirty years of unparalleled expertise. Jason excels in onboard operations, guest experience design, wellness innovation, and brand strategy, reshaping the landscape of the industry.

As a distinguished Brand Ambassador for several top-tier suppliers in the cruise sector, Jason partners with global cruise lines, suppliers, and destinations to deliver guest experiences that are both impactful and profitable. Through his consultancy, JAG Hospitality, he provides strategic guidance to luxury cruise clients, championing innovation, sustainability, and service excellence as non-negotiables.

A highly sought-after speaker and moderator at international forums, Jason confidently tackles the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. He explores the critical intersections of wellness, design, and technology in modern cruising, leading the charge in transforming how people experience life at sea.

Julie Higgins is the Sustainability Officer and Director of Hotel Operations for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises . Born and raised for the most part in South Africa, she has spent the first (and last), 21 years of her career working in various positions within Uniworld, specialising in hotel operations. With her first decade spent working onboard of their river cruise ships, and the last decade being dedicated to travelling across the fleet, she considers these 20+ years of her career as an incredible education and journey within tourism, an industry which has captured her heart from the very start. Julie recently furthered her learning and has graduated with an MBA in Sustainability Leadership, and was honoured as a recipient of U.S.T.O.A.’s 2023 Future Light of the Tour Industry.

She now spearheads sustainability initiatives at the brand, and simultaneously oversees the fleet’s Hotel Operations, as they collectively work towards 11 strategic and ambitious sustainability goals, with the primary focus on reaching net zero by 2050 or before. Julie hopes that she can both continue her learnings in sustainable tourism, and pay it forward to those she is fortunate to meet along this shared journey.

I am a passionate in project work and creative solution finding. Growning up in Papenburg my relationship to water, technology and ships was there from the beginning.

Creating and selling great and innovative products as well as designing the future is one of the most enjoyable tasks I can imagine

Beside the professional life I spend time with my family on the country side or while sailing

Head of Sales and Design at MEYER GROUP

November 2021 – Present

• Leadership of Sales and Design Department

• Acquisition of new Shipbuilding Contracts

Sales Manager at MEYER WERFT

January 2021 – November 2021 (11 months)

• Project Leadership for Sales Projects

• Responsible for the project organization

• Responsible for the Sales project strategy

• Product marketing strategy

Head of Design Group at MEYER WERFT

March 2019 – January 2021 (1 year 11 months)

• Leadership of the Designers Team

• Development of our teams and project quality

• Capacity planning and tracking

• Connection to shipyards‘ head of groups

Project Engineer at MEYER WERFT

August 2010 – March 2019 (8 years 8 months)

• Lead of ship concept development

• GA sketch and initial drawing

• Concept development

• Coordinating of GA development – architectural and technical

Trainee/Student at MEYER WERFT and University of Applied Sciences Emden

June 2006 – August 2010 (4 years 3 months)

• Mechanic for machines and systems

• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Design

Luc is speaking at CSI Design Expo Europe, their full bio will be available shortly.

Marco de Jorio is President and CEO of DE JORIO DESIGN INTERNATIONAL, a leading company in top-end interior and exterior design of Luxury CruiseShips and MegaYachts, distinguished for innovation and creativity. Marco remarkably placed his creative footprint in all new buildings by MSC Cruises. Convinced of propulsive and emotional value of high-quality design for the Cruise market he has profoundly affected those traits that made the DJDI’s repertory unique and recognizable. With 30 years of experience he’s one of few eminences in the world holding the highest level of knowledge in the naval design dedicated to pleasure, fun and luxury.

Maximilian Schätzl is the Head of Hotel Operations at COLUMBIA signature, leading the company’s growing hospitality portfolio with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and guest excellence.

With over a decade of international experience in luxury hotels and cruise operations, Maximilian combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership. A graduate of the Hotel Institute Montreux, he built his expertise through a dynamic career journey, progressing from operational roles to leadership positions in renowned 5-star hotels in Zurich, St. Moritz, and Frankfurt before joining AIDA Cruises and later the COLUMBIA GROUP in 2018.

Guided by his motto, “Unleashing innovation – defying tradition, embracing transformation,” Maximilian is committed to shaping the future of cruise and hospitality experiences—where operational excellence, sustainability, and human connection define true service.

PriestmanGoode is a multi-disciplinary design consultancy with 35 years experience of creating global transport and hospitality solutions, bringing an elevated passenger experience and more sustainable solutions to transport interiors.

Mike is an experienced industrial and product designer. Since joining PriestmanGoode in 2013, he has worked on projects on multiple products across transport and hospitality, for clients, including: Austrian Federal Railway ÖBB, VIA Rail Canada, Zip by Premier Inn and United Airlines. Most recently, Mike has been leading a team who are creating elevated design experiences in small spaces. Particularly looking at ways to integrate different levels of customer experience and service into repeatable spaces for both the hospitality and cruise sectors. Mike was also the lead designer for PriestmanGoode’s First of a Kind rail project, funded by the UK’s Department for Transport which gained wide recognition including an endorsement from the UK Secretary of State for Transport. Mike studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. He received a First Class BA Hons in Product Design.

My is the Director of Interior Design for HA Line and leads the design department overseeing three prominent cruise brands: Holland America Line and Seabourn. My’s design experience is diversified across Refurbishment and Newbuild.

As a globally recognized thought leader, My’s repertoire of achievements span both land and sea. She is known for her internationally acclaimed award-winning designs as well as being a public speaker on topics close to her heart such as Sustainability and Leadership.

On the topic of inspiration, My says, “inspiration to me is not a noun. It’s more of a mindset. I’m as inspired seeing the colors of leaves while walking in my neighborhood as I am looking at fashion in different cities that I visit around the world. The key is to always keep your eyes open and not have tunnel vision. That mindset assures you will always feel inspired”.

Head of Allstars Design, Nicola Olivieri specialises in the design of interiors and exteriors for superyachts and passenger vessels. His work is guided by natural light, pure materials and simple geometries, with a strong focus on both elegance and functionality.

He is the author of several cruise concepts, including SUMMER – a vibrant and joyful balcony cabin designed in bright orange tones to enhance the sense of openness. LUX is a duplex suite that reimagines spatial flow by relocating the staircase to the background, allowing for more generous and refined living quarters. IVORY is a fine à la carte restaurant defined by soft materials and clean lines, offering a calm and elevated dining experience.

Alongside his design work, he has a background in project and site management for the steel-to-steel turnkey delivery of catering areas onboard luxury cruise ships. This blend of creative and technical insight defines his holistic approach to design.

Saleta Valdés Márquez is a seasoned business executive with over 10 years of experience leading and executing large-scale organizational transformations. With a proven ability to define strategy, galvanize teams around a common vision, and drive results, she has been at the forefront of enhancing guest experiences through innovative solutions.

Passionate about using technology to improve customer interactions, Saleta specializes in bringing new concepts to life by implementing frictionless guest interactions. She focuses on personalizing the journey from the moment a guest books, ensuring they have direct access to the tools, controls, and devices that allow them to curate a seamless onboard experience.

Her expertise lies in identifying key moments of interaction and leveraging experiences and data feedback to optimize guest satisfaction.

Stefanie is speaking at CSI Design Expo Europe, their full bio will be available shortly.

Tani Gurra is the Front of House & Beverage Director for Hurtigruten Norway, where he oversees restaurant and bar operations, concept development, and beverage strategy across the fleet. With extensive experience in both hotels and restaurants, Tani brings a strong operational focus, creative thinking, and a passion for high-quality guest experiences. He has held senior positions at Scandic and previously served as Hotel Director for Hurtigruten Svalbard. His background gives him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of hospitality – from team leadership and service excellence to strategic development. Tani plays a key role in shaping the onboard F&B experience, leading teams with a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving demands.

Tom Arild Trosterud is a recognized leader in global procurement and supply chain strategy, currently serving as VP Procurement at Hurtigruten. With over 15 years of international experience, Tom has led transformative sourcing initiatives across maritime, tech, and travel sectors. At Hurtigruten, he has restructured procurement operations to support global scalability, reduce rogue spend, and embed sustainability into supplier partnerships—especially in remote cruise operations.

Tom holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering (Norway/Australia) and an MBA from England. His achievements include pioneering ESG-driven sourcing models, optimizing cost structures, and ensuring digital delivery across complex supply chains. He was a judge for the Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards and a frequent speaker at Procurement Events.

Tom also serves as Co-Judge at Borgarting Lagmannsrett, reflecting his commitment to governance and integrity. His insights blend operational excellence with strategic foresight, making him a sought-after voice in the procurement community.

Zoë is responsible for embedding sustainability in both design and operation at Archer Hotel Capital, a portfolio of luxury European hotels including brands such as Marriott, Hilton and Hoxton. She is focused on carbon reduction, promoting circularity and community impact. She is passionate about educating and empowering designers to make more sustainable choices, as well as communicating these stories to guests. Zoe loves discovering new materials, biophilic design and promoting embodied carbon and lifecycle analysis. Current projects include renovation of the Hotel Arts Barcelona to BREEAM and WELL standards, and development of a cross-laminated timber building at the Renaissance Amsterdam. Zoe also brings knowledge from other sectors having previously worked in sustainability management for office, residential and retail portfolios at British Land, and prior to that as a responsible investment consultant and ESG auditor at KPMG. When she isn’t checking every bin in a hotel, she enjoys dancing and cycling.