Variety Cruises Names Steve Reynolds CEO After Restructuring
Reynolds most recently served as senior vice president of Discover Qatar, the destination management company within Qatar Airways Group, before joining Variety Cruises.
Variety Cruises announced on October 27, 2026, that Steve Reynolds will succeed Filippos Venetopoulos as chief executive following the completion of a major financial restructuring. Venetopoulos will become executive chairman, retaining responsibility for long-term strategy, governance and key industry relationships.
The leadership change gives Reynolds responsibility for day-to-day management, operational performance, commercial development, financial discipline and team development. Variety said the restructuring had strengthened its financial foundation as it pursues sustainable growth.
“Steve's arrival allows me to focus on that long-term vision while giving him the authority and space to lead,” said Venetopoulos.
Reynolds most recently served as senior vice president of Discover Qatar, the destination management company within Qatar Airways Group. His international leadership experience spans travel, tourism, distribution and destination management.
Reynolds said “the demand for intimate, destination-focused cruising creates an exciting opportunity for Variety.” He cited the company’s itineraries, heritage and personal approach as strengths he intends to build on.
Reynolds also outlined plans to work with the Venetopoulos and Vassilakis families, employees and global distribution partners to improve business performance, develop staff and attract more travelers.
For Venetopoulos, the handover carries a family responsibility. As the third generation at the company, he described the decision as deeply personal and said he felt an obligation to have the courage to change the business he had inherited.
Variety traces its origins to 1949, when historian Diogenis Venetopoulos established an educational group-travel business in Greece and built its first vessel, Eleutherios. Reynolds joins the family-owned business in its 77th year.
