AmaWaterways today announced the appointment of cruise industry veteran Kevin Duffin, who joins the company as group chief financial officer (CFO). Effective immediately, Duffin will oversee all aspects of the company’s financial strategy from its headquarters in Calabasas, CA.

“Over the last 16 years, we have enjoyed tremendous growth at AmaWaterways – with the expansion of our fleet to 23 ships and new offices in the UK and Basel, Switzerland,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “We are pleased to welcome Kevin to our family and tap into his wealth of financial expertise within the cruise sector, specifically, to support our future success.”

A seasoned professional, Duffin brings more than two decades of hospitality and cruise finance and strategy experience to AmaWaterways. After graduating from Baylor University, Duffin has held various finance leadership positions with Brinker International, KinderCare Education and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, where he spent 16 years working in revenue management, product marketing, operations finance, and corporate planning and strategy. Duffin last served as vice president of finance and strategy for Celebrity Cruises overseeing the brand’s financial planning, analysis and strategy.

This year, AmaWaterways expanded its European fleet with the addition of AmaLea, sister ship to the award-winning AmaKristina, AmaStella and AmaViola. AmaLea began her Danube itineraries on May 6 with an official christening ceremony taking place on May 26 in Vilshofen, Germany. In 2019, the line will welcome three new ships to its European fleet – AmaMagna, AmaMora and AmaDouro – the most in a single year since its 2002 launch. These new ships are sure to showcase the company’s commitment to innovation, excellence and luxury.

“Throughout my time in the cruise industry, I have admired AmaWaterways’ approach to pushing beyond the norms of river cruising and the company’s personal commitment to delivering the highest level of guest satisfaction,” said Duffin. “Needless to say, I am thrilled to be a part of this team as we step into an exciting phase of growth.”