Hornblower Group named hotel industry executive Mike Flaskey CEO following the completion of the ferry service and day-tour company's bankruptcy proceedings last month.
His appointment is effective immediately, replacing Kevin Rabbitt, who had been chief executive since June 2020.
Mike Flaskey
Flaskey was most recently the CEO of Diamond Resorts. He has served in other leadership roles in the hotel industry at Wyndham Vacation Resorts and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He is also a senior advisor to McKinsey Travel, Leisure & Infrastructure and Capital Vacations.
The appointment comes one month after Hornblower Group emerged from its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and financial restructuring under new ownership in early July.
The proceedings included Hornblower's acquisition by private equity firm Strategic Value Partners as well as the dissolution of the company's river cruise brand, American Queen Voyages (AQV).
Jonathan Waggoner, the co-head of the North America operating team at Strategic Value Partners, said Flaskey's appointment is the right fit for the company.
"[Mike] has a clear vision for the future of Hornblower," Waggoner said. "He has a true passion for the operators who deliver our service day in and day out, and he has the experience needed to lead our company through the next phase of growth and innovation."
Flaskey said, "Hornblower Group is ahead of the curve with the significant experience-based initiatives across their business units. Touching over 20 million guests in-person annually in our various business units creates unlimited flexibility to grow the company."
In a statement about Rabbitt's departure, Hornblower thanked him "for his years at the helm of the company," adding that his strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in achieving key milestones and preparing the company for the future.
Hornblower Group still manages City Experiences, a land and water day-tour operation; City Cruises, a sightseeing and private events day-cruise service; and City Ferry, which operates transportation services; as well as other marine services and consulting projects.
CORRECTION:An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that John Waggoner, founder of American Queen Voyages, was the co-head of the North America operating team at Strategic Value Partners.That position is held by Jonathan Waggoner.