According to company sources, Sebastian Ahrens, managing director, has left Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, effective immediately.

The German cruise line, which just took delivery of the Columbus 2, and gets the newbuild Europa 2 next spring, has not announced a successor thus far.

Ahrens originally intended to leave the line at the end of the year due to personal reasons.  

Ahrens led Hapag-Lloyd since 2003. His responsibilities included product management, sales, touristic operations, as well as marketing and public relations.

Prior to his management position Ahrens was a partner at McKinsey & Company, the consulting firm, and involved in the strategic repositioning of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.