Ted Sykes takes on American Queen presidency

[HostDave]

Veteran cruise industry executive Ted Sykes joined American Queen Steamboat Co. as president and coo, reporting to chairman and ceo John Waggoner. He will oversee all day-to-day operations of the Memphis-based company including sales, marketing, finance and vessel operations.

Jeff Krida and Christopher Kyte will remain as active owners, the company said in a statement, and report to Sykes on the long-term direction and development of the brand. Krida and Kyte were founding ceo and president, respectively. Waggoner, originally chairman, has added the ceo role.

‘Ted brings tremendous financial, sales and marketing skills to our executive team,’ Waggoner said. ‘We are pleased to secure an executive with Ted’s extensive knowledge and reputation in the industry to help us grow the business.’

A 20-year cruise industry veteran, Sykes previously held key operating roles with river lines Viking River Cruises and Vantage, as well as the ocean-going operators Saga Shipping (UK) and Royal Cruise Line. He recently served as the North American ceo for eWaterways.com, an online aggregator of small-ship cruises from around the world.