Alan Leibman succeeds Ernesto Fara as Chief Executive
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection confirmed on 9 November 2026 the appointment of Alan Leibman as CEO. Already a member of the board of directors, he succeeds Ernesto Fara, who oversaw a significant phase in the company’s development.
With more than thirty years’ experience in international luxury hospitality, Alan Leibman returns to a professional environment closely linked to the start of his career.
Having joined The Ritz-Carlton in Houston in 1990, he rose to the position of general manager at just 25, becoming at the time the youngest General Manager in the brand’s history.
He went on to serve as Chief Executive of Kerzner International, overseeing in particular the Atlantis and One&Only portfolios across five continents.
His career also includes advisory work for hospitality and tourism companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as a role as senior adviser to Oaktree.
The appointment brings The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expertise in luxury hotel asset management, international brands and the expectations of a high-end clientele.
Tatiana Ferreira becomes President with a broader remit
At the same time, Tatiana Ferreira, previously Chief Sales Officer, has been promoted to President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
She retains oversight of sales and commercial activities, while taking on responsibility for three additional functions: information systems, marketing and guest experience.
The change reflects a desire to bring the drivers of commercial growth, technology tools and service quality together within an integrated organisation.
Tatiana Ferreira has nearly 25 years’ experience with international luxury, retail and hospitality groups, including Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and The Walt Disney Company.
Her new remit is intended, in particular, to strengthen relationships with distribution partners specialising in luxury travel and to improve the continuity of the guest experience, from booking through to the stay on board.
A new structure backed by shareholders and Marriott International
Jim Murren, Executive Chairman of the board of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, highlighted how the two executives complement each other.
In his view, Alan Leibman’s international experience and Tatiana Ferreira’s knowledge of luxury sales networks should enable the company to continue its development while upholding the service standards associated with The Ritz-Carlton.
Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International, also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which he presented as a distinctive expression of the Ritz-Carlton brand in the world of ocean travel.
This statement confirms the importance of the brand partnership with Marriott International, without altering The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s own governance.
Three yachts to consolidate a luxury-at-sea positioning
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection currently operates a fleet of three vessels: Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.
The fleet’s development reflects a positioning at the crossroads of luxury hospitality and upscale cruising, with a proposition built on limited guest capacity, international itineraries and highly personalised services.
The company also intends to develop collaborations with players in luxury and culture, in order to broaden its audience beyond traditional cruise clientele.
Strategic analysis | Dual leadership to structure growth
The simultaneous appointment of Alan Leibman and Tatiana Ferreira goes beyond a simple change of leadership.
It separates two complementary priorities: the strategic and operational direction of the company, entrusted to Alan Leibman, and the integration of commercial and guest-experience functions, placed under Tatiana Ferreira’s responsibility.
For a company operating at the intersection of two industries with different business models, this division of responsibilities raises several challenges.
First, maintaining the consistency of the Ritz-Carlton experience across a growing fleet, despite the operational specificities of the maritime sector.
Second, optimising commercial relationships with luxury distribution networks, while deepening customer knowledge and the personalisation of services.
Finally, preserving the distinctiveness of the offer against other operators positioned in the upper segments of the cruise market.
The choice of Alan Leibman, former Chief Executive of Kerzner International, appears particularly significant: his experience of resorts and international luxury brands could help bring The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s model even closer to that of ultra-luxury hospitality.
This new structure therefore comes at a time when fleet growth requires a combination of commercial development, operational discipline and a consistent brand experience.
At a Glance
CEO appointment: Alan Leibman succeeds Ernesto Fara at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
President appointment: Tatiana Ferreira is promoted from Chief Sales Officer to President.
Leadership experience: Leibman brings over 30 years in global luxury hospitality, including his tenure as CEO of Kerzner International.
Expanded responsibilities: Ferreira oversees sales, commercial operations, IT, marketing and guest experience.
Fleet: Three luxury yachts — Evrima, Ilma and Luminara.
Strategic focus: Strengthening operational leadership, commercial integration and personalised luxury experiences.
