Holland America names Joe Palermo director, ship refurbishments

Joe Palermo has been appointed to the newly created position of director, ship refurbishments for Holland America Line and Seabourn. He is responsible for overseeing the cruise lines’ shipboard renovation program, managing all major drydock projects and supporting the Fleet Operations department to develop process improvements.

Most recently, Mr. Palermo was director, corporate services, with oversight of the company’s crew wage and administration budgets, as well as facilities and administrative services. In this capacity, he also managed dry dock projects, including ms Oosterdam’s cabin expansion refit in 2009 and most recently the cruise ship ms Volendam’s 2011 drydocking in Singapore.

“Joe’s blend of his operations, technical and customer service experience will aid him well in meeting the challenges of this role,” said Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations. “He is an effective leader who will use his new position to help our combined fleet meet the high expectations of our guests.”

Mr.Palermo joined Holland America Line in 2004 as project director, Signature of Excellence, taking the program from conception to implementation. Prior to that, he was with Cunard in New York and also served as general manager at JFK airport for America Airlines. He reports to Mr. Grausz.

Mr. Palermo earned a degree in industrial engineering from Columbia University.

April 27, 2012