Costa Crociere S.p.A. has named Gabriele Baroni to the position of communications director, effective immediately. He will report to Vice President Communication & Sustainability Hansjoerg Kunze.

Baroni will be responsible for developing and executing media relations strategies and tactics in support of Costa brand communications as well as managing internal communication activities. In his new role Baroni will be in charge of corporate communications, press office and communications coordination of the international markets.

"It's a pleasure for me to welcome Gabriele onboard," said Vice President Communication & Sustainability Hansjoerg Kunze. "With the appointment of Baroni the Costa Crociere communications team can count on a group of passionate professionals who will be able to take advantage of all the challenges and continue with the process of opening the dialogue and relationships building with all the relevant stakeholders."

Baroni joins Costa Crociere from the public relations and communications firm Burson-Marsteller, where he started in 2001. He developed considerable expertise in corporate communications, media relations, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement programs and crisis management plans. Since February 2010 he was Burson-Marsteller's director of the financial, energy and crisis practice.