Circle Line parent gets new President and COO

New York Cruise Lines, parent company of internationally celebrated tourism companies Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht today announced the appointments of Gus Markou to President and Chief Operating Officer reporting to Samuel Cooperman, Chief Executive Officer.

Promoted from Vice President of Operations, Mr. Markou is a 25 year veteran of New York Cruise Lines and has been instrumental in the growth of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht.

As a long-standing member of the board of directors since 2005, Mr. Cooperman was named Chairman of the Board and CEO in 2010.  Both Mr. Markou’s promotion to President and COO and Mr. Cooperman’s appointment to Chairman and CEO ensure a continuity of leadership as the company seeks to pursue its growth as one of the world’s best known tourism brands.

“Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and World Yacht have relied on Gus Markou’s expertise and leadership over the past two decades and we are thrilled to move him to a position where the entire company and its partners can leverage his wealth of experience and insights,” said Mr. Cooperman.  “Gus’s story is the American Dream.  He worked his way up from ship’s engineer to President through hard work, ingenuity and tremendous commitment.  I am very proud of him.” 

“I look forward to working together with Sam to strategically move New York Cruise Lines towards achieving its long term growth strategies,” said Mr. Markou.

ABOUT CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Sailing since 1945, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street has hosted more than 60 million passengers in New York City.  Owned and operated by New York Cruise Lines, Inc., Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is New York’s oldest and largest provider of scheduled and chartered sightseeing and special function cruises.  Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is not affiliated with Circle Line Downtown.

ABOUT WORLD YACHT

Operating since 1981, World Yacht at Pier 81 operates a fleet of luxury vessels, offering a wide range of events, including romantic dinners, dinner parties, corporate events, and weddings. Each vessel offers a two-level dining room, spacious outdoor decks, floating rooftop lounge, music and dancing.

August 17, 2011