A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH Appoints Rolf-Dieter Maltzahn as CEO

A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH has announced that Rolf-Dieter Maltzahn will assume the role of CEO, succeeding Jörg Eichler. Maltzahn, a seasoned executive with a strong background in the tourism industry, will officially step into the position in February 2025. Eichler will remain with the company until the end of February to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Maltzahn will collaborate closely with Markus Zoepke, the company’s COO and co-partner since 2003, who continues to oversee operations from A-ROSA’s Chur office in Switzerland.

Michael Ungerer, Chairman of the Advisory Board for A-ROSA Group, emphasized Maltzahn’s extensive experience and innovative approach, noting his expertise in business strategy, digitalization, and agile transformation. Ungerer expressed confidence in Maltzahn’s ability to guide A-ROSA River Cruises toward a successful future. He also extended gratitude to Eichler for over a decade of leadership, acknowledging his contributions in developing A-ROSA into a premium brand in the river cruise industry.

Maltzahn’s professional journey in tourism began in 1989 at TUI, where he held several managerial roles, including Head of Purchasing for Central Europe. In 2008, he transitioned to DER Touristik, where he led the hotel division as CEO until 2013 and subsequently managed the package holiday sector as Managing Director until 2019. During his tenure, Maltzahn spearheaded brand repositioning efforts, introduced digital innovations, and streamlined processes, resulting in significant sales growth and efficiency improvements. Among his notable achievements was the launch of the ‘Cooee’ hotel brand, which attracted new customers and enhanced profit margins.

Most recently, Maltzahn served as Managing Director at GALERIA Reisen GmbH, where he oversaw the company’s travel and tourism division. His leadership included implementing an omnichannel sales strategy that integrated modern digital concepts with in-store services, reorienting the corporate culture, and positioning the brand for sustainable growth.

Upon accepting his new position at A-ROSA, Maltzahn expressed his enthusiasm for leading the company into its next chapter. He highlighted the importance of building customer loyalty through omnichannel sales and emphasized the strong foundation provided by A-ROSA’s talented team and trusted partnerships.

Jörg Eichler, who has served as CEO of A-ROSA for over eleven years, announced his decision to step down voluntarily to pursue new opportunities within the tourism industry. Reflecting on his tenure, Eichler remarked that the company is well-positioned for the future. He noted that A-ROSA had successfully navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine by implementing new strategies and technologies. He shared that 2024 had been a record-breaking year for the company, achieving the highest revenue in its history, while pre-bookings for 2025 were up by 35%, signaling a strong reception of A-ROSA’s flexible premium fare model. Eichler expressed confidence that the company would continue its success under Maltzahn’s leadership.

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