Fort Lauderdale, FL – May 11, 2023 – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (the Company) announced today that Founder and CEO Douglas Prothero has decided to step away from his current leadership position as the Company continues on its journey as a world class hospitality leader. Doug will continue as a Director on the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board) and will become a Strategic Advisor to the Executive Chairman and CEO, effective May 10, 2023. He will be succeeded as CEO by Jim Murren, a global hospitality leader credited with leading MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas and the State of Nevada, through a period of expansion and environmentally sustainable, technological innovation.
Doug founded the Company in 2013 and has been the visionary leader instrumental in driving the Company’s growth from inception to three industry-defining super yachts. The first of these, Evrima, launched in October 2022.
“I am proud of what our team has accomplished together in raising the bar for luxury travel at sea and look forward to supporting the Company’s continued success,” said Doug. “It’s an exciting time to be an innovator in the maritime space.”
Jim Murren who has been Executive Chairman since January 2023 will be stepping into the CEO role alongside his chair responsibilities. Jim has decades of experience in hospitality and entertainment having been Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International from 2008 to 2020 and presently as Co-Chairman of Cirque du Soleil. Throughout his career, his strategic vision has generated world-class entertainment while fostering innovation and sustainability. He is known to embrace emerging technologies to expand into new markets and create transformational luxury brands around the world.
Jim has successfully navigated both emerging and developed markets creating significant value against the backdrop of multiple global financial crises. Jim was instrumental in bringing professional sports to Las Vegas and an early leader in the sports betting marketplace. The Board and the Company’s owners concluded that as the Company embarks on a rapidly growing cruise and super yachting transformation, Jim is uniquely qualified to lead the Company through this exciting period.
“We are grateful for Doug’s leadership and his dedication to the Company since its inception. Under his guidance, the Company has achieved significant milestones and he has been an inspirational leader and driving figure in pioneering a new luxury concept in cruise and super yachting,” said Jim. “I am honored to take the role of CEO and look forward to collaborating with the talented team to continue to drive growth and innovation. Thanks to Doug, we have a strong foundation to build upon, and we will continue to deliver a truly unique luxury cruise and super yachting experience, which will be unparalleled in the expanding luxury market.”
“Doug, as the Founder of the Company, has been the pioneer and impactful driving force behind the formation of the Company. He has dedicated himself to creating a scalable platform for luxury yachting, including navigating the inception and the development of the Company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, while building a strong and enduring partnership with Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott International). The Board and its investors look forward to its continuing partnership with Doug,” said Karim Khairallah, Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager, European Principal Group, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (Oaktree).
PRESS CONTACTS
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.