Ben Bouldin named president of Royal Caribbean International, China

Royal Caribbean’s Ben Bouldin is to leave his position of vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa to take up the role of president of Royal Caribbean International, China.

In his new position, Bouldin will lead the day-to-day operations of the business and oversee the sales, marketing and commercial teams, the line said.

Zinan Liu, the current president for the China and North Asia Pacific region, will continue in his role as chairman of Royal Caribbean International, Asia.

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Bouldin joined Royal Caribbean in 2014 as director of sales for the UK and Ireland and has held his most recent role since 2020. He and his family will move to China in August.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the team in China,” he said. “It is a significant chance for me, both personally and professionally, and I’m honoured that Royal Caribbean sees me as the right candidate to steer and grow the business in such a key region for the brand.

“I’m looking forward to moving to China at the end of August and getting to know my new team.”

He added: “I will be leaving the EMEA business in a strong position with a fantastic leadership team. Having dedicated my 11 years at Royal Caribbean to this region, I’ll always remain proud of the team and my industry colleagues in EMEA.”

Angie Stephen, senior vice-president of international, said: “The team in China is at a pivotal point as the brand returns to delivering memorable vacations in a market that has been a focus of ours for more than a decade.

“There is so much in store as we continue to push the envelope as the top cruise line in China, and I know Ben’s experience across a wide range of markets will bolster the team’s operations, ideas and ambitions for the future.”