Explora Journeys Names Lara Koslow North America President
Based in Miami, Koslow will oversee commercial management, marketing and sales in the United States, Canada and Mexico, reporting to MSC Group's Ruben A. Rodriguez.
Explora Journeys has appointed Lara Koslow as president, North America, effective November 30, 2026. Chris Austin will take the newly created position of president, Luxury Travel Partnerships, with an expanded remit that includes distribution opportunities for MSC Yacht Club.
Explora reports strong booking momentum and plans to have six ocean ships operating by 2028.
Koslow will oversee commercial management, marketing and sales across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Based in Miami, she will report directly to Ruben A. Rodriguez, CEO, North America, of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, and work closely with Explora Journeys Global President Anna Nash, who is based at the brand’s Geneva headquarters.
“North America is fundamental to the continued growth of Explora Journeys,” Nash said. She linked the appointments to the expansion of the brand’s fleet and destinations.
Austin will report directly to Koslow while retaining responsibility for regional trade sales and trade marketing, along with trade sales support. He will also continue serving as a brand ambassador and spokesperson.
His additional responsibilities will include developing distribution channels and trade partnerships. Working with MSC Cruises North America, Austin will seek to broaden distribution for MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ship-within-a-ship offering with private facilities, and identify opportunities for cooperation between the two brands.
Rodriguez welcomed Koslow’s appointment. “Chris’ remarkable leadership has been a key contributor to Explora Journeys’ rapid growth,” he said of Austin.
Explora will add Alaska in 2027 and Asia in 2027–28. South America is scheduled to follow in 2028, ahead of the brand’s World Journey in 2029.
