Columbia appoints executives as it expands business

Columbia Group has made three appointments as it undertakes a digital transformation and grows its shipmanagement business in Asia.

Simona Toma is assuming the role of chief of maritime human resources, to guide Columbia’s global crewing teams through a transformation from traditional seafarer management to a fully developed human resource management model.

Ms Toma brings an understanding of the operational realities faced by seafarers to her new position, and aims to shape strategies that reflect crew requirements at sea and ashore, advance global talent development and enhance recruitment and training across the organisation.

Demetris Chrysostomou has been appointed chief executive of Columbia’s operations in Asia, to oversee the group’s strategic expansion across key markets in the region including China, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan, from the Singapore office.

Norman Schmiedl has been hired as chief executive of Columbia Blue, the group’s specialised leisure business covering the management of cruise ships and yachts. Mr Schmiedl will lead the next phase of growth in the high-end passenger vessel segment.