Maurice M. Zarmati, President and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines North America announced today that industry veteran Scott Knutson, CTC, has been named Vice President of Sales and that Ruben Perez has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Guest Services and Revenue Management for Costa’s North American headquarters. Most recently, Knutson was Regional Vice President of Sales for the Southeastern United States with Carnival Cruise Lines. Perez has been with Costa North America for 24 years, most recently as Vice President of Passenger Services. Both Knutson and Perez will report directly to Zarmati.

In Knutson’s new position heading up Sales for Costa’s North American region, he will oversee Field Sales, Group Sales, National Accounts, Strategic Partnerships, Corporate and Incentive Sales and Inside Sales. Over his successful 20 year career at Carnival, he has held positions as Regional Vice President of Sales for the Central United States region and as Director of Sales for the Northern California region. Knutson began his sales career with United Airlines and is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Business where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He will soon relocate to South Florida from Sarasota, Florida with his wife and three children.

Perez has had an exceptional career with Costa, holding various positions within the company for the past 24 years. In his new role as Senior Vice President of Guest Services and Revenue Management, he will oversee Reservations, Air and Sea Operations, Group Operations, Guest Relations, Guest Services Support and Revenue Management. Prior to his role as Vice President of Passenger Services over the past two years, he held executive level positions in Revenue Management. Perez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Administration from Barry University and resides in Miramar with his wife and two children.

“I know first hand from working with Scott what a talented sales professional he is and how exceptional his leadership skills are. His arrival at Costa will further strengthen the relationships we have with our valuable travel agent partners, many of whom have enjoyed working closely with Scott over the years,” said Zarmati. “I’m equally pleased to announce Ruben’s new promotion, which is truly well-deserved. His proven track record for the past 24 years with Costa speaks volumes and I know he will continue to excel in his new role.”