The UNITED WATERWAYS Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is strengthening its top management and bringing Sascha Gill (48) on board. Robert Straubhaar (63), founder and main shareholder of the Group, will concentrate on the chairmanship and the strategic direction of the Group.
Operating more than 120 ships and servicing and owning significant maritime infrastructure in Europe. As a result, UNITED WATERWAYS has become a leading support and service provider for some of the world’s most prestigious cruise and event brands on all waters. Robert Straubhaar hands over the operational management of the Group with over 4,000 employees to the new CEO Sascha Gill. Robert Straubhaar will focus concentrate even more on the Group strategy as President.
New CEO with Focus on Sustainability
Sascha has deep roots in the brand, hotel, and cruise segments. His latest educational and strategic focus dedicated to the greening of the maritime industry. In his previous role at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Global Cruise Industry Association, Sascha Gill actively engaged with the European Commission’s technical working groups. He worked on maritime decarbonization and collaborated with NGOs. His work with NGO’s focused on marine protection and biodiversity conservation. Prior to that, he held senior nautical and hotel operation positions with three of the leading ocean and river cruise operators. Additionally, he worked for some of the world’s ultra-luxury hotel brands. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Strategic Business Management and a Masters in International Negotiations and Environmental Policy Development.
“I am fully dedicated to ensuring that Cruise Vacations continues to grow as one of the preferred and managed eco-friendly vacation options,” says Gill. “This company has a highly professional and competent team that has helped build global brands. I am confident that we can once more lead the way in white label operations and further develop the expertise to meet the industry’s goals for maritime decarbonization.”
Robert Straubhaar is delighted with the appointment of the new CEO: “The demands on passenger shipping are changing rapidly and the industry needs to adapt its focus and, in particular, pool its expertise. I consider it a stroke of luck for the passenger shipping industry and for UNITED WATERWAYS that Sascha Gill has accepted this challenge!”