The new executive positioning will further bolster operational and strategic initiatives as expansion and growth accelerate.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – May 2023 – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced strategic organizational shifts and appointments to its operations leadership team in preparation for future growth. Mark Lockwood moves into the role of Chief Product Officer and Jens Gorka holds the position of Senior Vice President, Shipboard Operations, while the company welcomes Clayton van Welter as Vice President, Marine Operations.
“In our endless pursuit of perfecting the ultra-luxury experience for our guests, this new leadership structure will establish a strong foundation for effective collaboration and performance, and unlock our potential for innovation and growth,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO. “Their collective passion and experience will be integral to offering a consistent, unparalleled guest experience at sea as we continue growing our fleet.”
Mark Lockwood joined The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in 2017 with over 25 years of hospitality and operational experience. Prior to joining the company, Lockwood oversaw operations for Midtown Athletic Clubs as Corporate VP of Operations and held senior positions at Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Lockwood has also held a number of key leadership roles in several Leading Hotels of The World. In his most recent roles as Chief Brand Operations Officer and Senior Vice President, Cruise Hotel Operations, Lockwood was instrumental in the launch of the company’s first yacht, Evrima. The seasoned veteran takes on his new role as Chief Product Officer leading the alignment of product development across the organization to ensure a luxury customer-centric approach throughout all touchpoints of the guest experience.
Bringing with him 30 years of hospitality experience, Jens Gorka holds the role of SVP, Shipboard Operations where he will oversee hotel shipboard operations, shipboard finance, procurement, and logistics across the company’s fleet. Jens successfully led the Shipboard Operation team in Spain during the final build phase of Evrima. He comes to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with 20 years of cruise experience having previously worked for Silversea Cruises where he held various positions in operations and finance, most recently as VP of Hotel Operations. Jens earned his MBA from the prestigious EHL Hospitality Business School.
Maritime veteran Clayton van Welter has been appointed to VP, Marine Operations following his most recent role as Head of Product at Wärtsilä Voyage where he led product strategy and drove innovative tactics to improve high-level product engagement. With over 17 years in roles shoreside and at sea at global cruise and marine technology companies, Clayton will supervise marine and technical operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security, environmental sustainability, and vessel efficiency. Previously, Clayton led the safety program and compliance as AVP, Maritime Safety for Royal Caribbean Group where he leveraged his continuous improvement both on board and ashore.
“I am delighted to welcome Clayton and partner closely with Jens and Mark to promote collaboration and excellence across the organization,” said Ernesto Fara, President and CFO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Improving efficiency and simplifying workflow will allow us to further elevate our distinctive experience and continue to improve operational excellence.”
The executive appointments come at an exciting phase of growth for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as it expands its fleet with new builds Ilma and Luminara, slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
PRESS CONTACT
Meg Connolly Communications: ritzcarltonyachtcollection@mcc-pr.com
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: diana.gdula@ritz-carltonyachtcollection.com
ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
Designed to blend the legendary service and unparalleled amenities of The Ritz-Carlton® with the casual freedom of yachting, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. Enchanting itineraries provide guests with access to sought-after and unique destinations, the ease of all-inclusive onboard experiences, and curated excursions ashore.
The collection’s inaugural yacht, Evrima, launched in October 2022, measures 624 feet and features 149 airy suites with private ocean-view terraces, accommodating up to 298 guests in an intimate and elegant ambiance. Ilma, the second superyacht, debuted in September 2024, spanning 790 feet and showcasing 224 spacious, light-filled suites for up to 448 guests, delivering refined luxury at sea. The fleet will expand further with Luminara, slated to debut in 2025, presenting voyages to secluded harbors and iconic cities.
Each yacht reflects contemporary craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, with some of the highest staff-to-guest and guest-to-space ratios at sea. Guests enjoy personalized service, world-class dining, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, and exclusive amenities. Private charter options are also available for a fully tailored journey. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.