Costa Crociere S.p.A. has appointed Hansjoerg Kunze vice president, communication and sustainability, for the Costa Cruises, Aida and Iberocruceros brands, effective Oct. 1, 2013. He replaces Mina Piccinini.

Kunze's appointment reflects a strategy of closer cooperation between the three brands of the Costa Group. He reports directly to Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Costa Crociere S.p.A.

Kunze, a professional journalist, has nine years of experience in the cruise industry, having joined Germany's leading cruise company AIDA Cruises in 2004 as vice president, public relations and communication.