Lara Koslow appointed President, North America
Explora Journeys has announced the appointment of Lara Koslow as President, North America, effective 30 November 2026.
Based in Miami, she will oversee the brand’s activities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Her responsibilities will include commercial management, marketing and sales.
She will report directly to Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO North America of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, while working closely with Anna Nash, the Geneva-based Global President of Explora Journeys.
This organisational structure reflects the strategic importance of the North American market to the brand’s international development.
More than twenty years at Boston Consulting Group
Lara Koslow joins Explora Journeys after spending more than twenty years at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
During her career there, she advised major consumer brands, particularly in the travel, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Her professional background is primarily rooted in strategic consulting, business development and growth advisory services.
Her appointment brings strategic consulting expertise to Explora Journeys at a time when the brand is seeking to accelerate commercial development and establish a more structured presence in its principal markets.
For Anna Nash, strengthening the North American leadership team represents a logical step as the fleet grows and the brand expands its destination portfolio.
Chris Austin appointed President, Luxury Travel Partnerships
As part of the reorganisation, Chris Austin will move from his regional presidency to a new position as President, Luxury Travel Partnerships.
He will report directly to Lara Koslow.
His responsibilities will include overseeing sales to travel trade professionals, partner-focused marketing and commercial support functions across the North American market.
His remit will also expand to developing new distribution channels and commercial partnerships.
Particular attention will be given to synergies with MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ premium offering.
Chris Austin will work closely with MSC Cruises North America to broaden distribution of this offering and identify shared opportunities between the two brands.
He will also retain a representative and ambassadorial role for Explora Journeys.
A commercial strategy built around specialist distribution networks
The new organisational structure establishes two complementary areas of responsibility.
Lara Koslow will oversee Explora Journeys’ overall strategy and commercial performance in North America.
Chris Austin will focus on partnerships, travel advisor networks and the development of new distribution channels.
This distinction reflects a defining characteristic of the luxury travel market: the central role played by specialist intermediaries in recommending products, identifying suitable clients and selling high-value travel experiences.
For Explora Journeys, strengthening relationships with these partners is intended to support the growth of its offering.
Three ships in operation and three under construction
The reorganisation comes at an important stage in Explora Journeys’ development.
According to information published by Travel Market Report, the brand now has three ships in operation and another three under construction, with two deliveries scheduled for 2027.
This increase in capacity will require the brand to broaden its customer base and strengthen its commercial networks.
The publication also refers to preparations for a potential move into river cruising, although it provides neither a timetable nor sufficient operational details to define the project precisely.
The immediate priority remains selling the additional capacity and strengthening Explora Journeys’ positioning within the competitive luxury cruise market.
LTH Analysis | A new phase in MSC’s luxury commercial strategy
Explora Journeys’ North American reorganisation goes beyond a change in leadership.
It reflects a desire to establish a clearer distinction between strategic market management and the development of specialist distribution networks.
This distinction is particularly relevant in the luxury segment.
Growth for a luxury brand does not depend solely on increasing volumes. It also requires maintaining the quality of its customer base, consistency of positioning and the commercial value of each booking.
Capacity growth must therefore be supported by distribution channels capable of sustaining pricing and preserving the perception of exclusivity.
The arrival of Lara Koslow, with her background in strategic consulting, could help structure this next phase of regional growth.
Chris Austin’s new role simultaneously underlines the importance placed on travel advisors and commercial partners.
Finally, the pursuit of synergies with MSC Yacht Club opens an interesting opportunity for MSC Group: closer commercial coordination between several premium and luxury offerings while preserving their respective brand identities.
The success of this structure will depend, in particular, on its ability to generate additional revenue, broaden distribution channels and support the introduction of new ships into service.
At a Glance
Company: Explora Journeys, MSC Group.
Appointment: Lara Koslow, President, North America.
Effective date: 30 November 2026.
Previous employer: Boston Consulting Group, where she spent more than 20 years.
Reporting line: Rubén A. Rodríguez, CEO North America, MSC Group Cruise Division.
New role for Chris Austin: President, Luxury Travel Partnerships.
Chris Austin’s reporting line: Lara Koslow.
Commercial focus: United States, Canada and Mexico; travel advisor networks, distribution partnerships and MSC Yacht Club synergies.
Fleet: Three ships operating and three under construction, according to the source.
LTH perspective: Strengthening strategic market leadership and specialist luxury distribution ahead of further capacity growth.
