Williams Named President and Chief Operating Officer Of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. named Jack Williams president and chief operating officer of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. In his new role, Williams, previously president of Royal Caribbean International, will manage the day-to-day operations of both cruise lines. The two lines will continue to operate independently under Williams.

Williams' appointment follows an earlier announcement that respected cruise veteran Richard Sasso, president of Celebrity Cruises, will resign from the company, effective January 1, 2002.

"Rick has done an outstanding job of establishing Celebrity as a five-star cruise line with accolade after accolade for superior service, spa facilities and cuisine," said Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

"He has built a solid framework for us to build from, and we will continue his legacy of excellence. "My association with Celebrity has exceeded even my expectations," said Sasso. "The professionalism and dedication of the staff, officers and crew. The perfection of detail in the cruise product itself. And, the trajectory of growth that has doubled our fleet in two years. I wish Celebrity every success in the future, and I will be cheering loudly from the stands as I pursue other exciting opportunities."

There are no internal departmental changes for either line under the new reporting structure. Celebrity department heads will now report directly to Williams. Royal Caribbean departments will continue to report to Williams, who will still oversee Royal Celebrity Tours. Corporate Communications will now report to the chairman's office.

"Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have performed well for us, and we are committed to keeping the two operations separate," said Fain. "I am confident that both lines will continue to capture market share and convert new prospects to cruising under Jack's very capable leadership."

"I am excited about leading the world's two best cruise lines and am equally committed to maintaining the uniqueness of the two brands," said Williams. "I am honored to have this opportunity and will work hard to validate this trust."

Jack Williams has served as president of Royal Caribbean International since 1997. Previously, he held various management positions at American Airlines, where, most recently, he was vice president and general sales manager. He began his career at American in 1972.

Richard Sasso has been president of Celebrity Cruises since 1995. Previously, he was senior vice president of Sales and Guest Services. He had held senior positions with Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises earlier in his career, which began at Costa in 1971.