American Queen Voyages announced on April 18 that cruise industry veteran Isis Ruiz has been named its chief commercial officer. Ruiz will report to Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages, according to a company press release.

As CCO, Ruiz will be responsible for developing and implementing American Queen Voyage’s overall sales and marketing strategy, including brand positioning, advertising, public relations, customer insights, guest feedback, loyalty and retention, competitive analysis, and partnership marketing. She will also be responsible for overseeing the entire sales function of the organization, including the company’s contact center and guest experience.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Isis to the American Queen Voyages management team,” Bierdz said in the release. “With her considerable talent and leadership skills, we’re confident Isis will greatly contribute to the future growth of American Queen Voyages. Isis brings an impressive career and valuable experience in the cruising industry and an extensive background in global brand marketing that will only further raise the bar on our company operations.”

Ruiz joins American Queen Voyages with over 20 years of experience in global brand and marketing strategy. She previously served as the chief marketing officer for Norwegian Cruise Line, where she led a team of 150-plus to develop the go-to-market plans designed to drive demand and grow market share globally. As the brand’s first global CMO, she led the strategy for branding, consumer advertising, partnerships, promotions, product, digital and e-commerce efforts.

“This is an exciting time for American Queen Voyages, and I’m honored to help build on the company’s deeply rooted heritage and unmatched reputation,” Ruiz said in the release. “I look forward to being a part of such a talented team during a pivotal time for the cruising industry. I’m energized to bring my industry expertise and collaborate with a team who are driven by their core company values and commitment towards delivering an extraordinary Rivers, Lakes & Oceans and Expedition experience for its guests.”

Prior to joining Norwegian, Ruiz spent six years at Carnival Cruise Line building trade marketing capabilities and launching programs to drive growth through third-party distribution (B2B2C) channels. In her early career, Ruiz worked in M&A at major corporate law firms in New York City before pivoting to travel. She’s a graduate of Tufts University and resides in South Florida with her husband and three children.

Ruiz was featured in Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s 2021 report, Leading Through Crisis: Learnings and Actionable Steps Through Recovery From Executive Women Across the Travel and Hospitality Industry.