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Caryl Capeci Is Starboard Cruises’ New SVP
The former head of Hearts On Fire exited Chow Tai Fook North America last spring.
Previously the CEO of Chow Tai Fook North America, Caryl Capeci is now the senior vice president of fine jewelry and watches for Starboard Cruise Services.
Miami—Jewelry industry veteran Caryl Capeci has joined LVMH company Starboard Cruise Services as its new senior vice president, fine jewelry and watches.
Capeci joined the at-sea retail curator as a strategic advisor earlier this year.
Her appointment is part of Starboard’s strategy to strengthen its senior leadership team as an investment in the positive outlook of the cruise industry, which it said has “come back stronger than ever.”
Currently, the company has more than 750 product brand partners.
“With the strong rebound of the cruise industry, luxury retail at sea is perfectly positioned to capture a greater share of the fine jewelry and watch market, providing brands a highly unique and experiential approach to retail,” the company said.
Capeci brings experience in both the jewelry and cruise industries, having led agency marketing teams for DeBeers Diamonds at JWT and Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises as an executive vice president at Havas/Arnold.
She comes to Starboard from Chow Tai Fook North America (CTFNA), parent company of Hearts On Fire and Mémoire, where she was CEO until last year.
Before that, she held multiple leadership positions at Hearts On Fire, including her time as president from 2016 until her CEO appointment with CTFNA in 2019.
Benito Mendez was also announced as Starboard’s new vice president of merchandising and planning.
Mendez is returning to the company, having previously spent 16 years with Starboard in multiple senior roles.
He comes back to the cruise retailer from leading retail strategy, product development, ecommerce and licensing for global entertainment company Hard Rock International. He began his career in the executive management program at Macy’s, where he held various merchandising positions.
As vice president of merchandising and planning, Mendez is charged with leading Starboard’s global merchandising strategy, working closely with its portfolio of product brand partners.
“Caryl and Benito’s robust experience in their respective fields are key additions to our leadership team to help drive our continued growth. Caryl’s unique leadership background in the jewelry industry, combined with the high demand for luxury retail offerings and experiences onboard, made her transition into the Starboard family very organic,” said Lisa Bauer, president and CEO of Starboard.
“We are thrilled to welcome Benito back. His significant cruise retail experience, diverse skill set, leadership abilities and passion for excellence are a perfect fit for our leadership team.”
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