Hornblower Group announces new SVP of Marketing for American Queen, Kari Tarnowski
Hornblower Group announced today that Kari Tarnowski has been named senior vice president of marketing for American Queen Steamboat Company. Tarnowski joins the company after serving as vice president of marketing for Crystal Cruises.
“We are thrilled to have Kari join the Hornblower Family as senior vice president of marketing for American Queen Steamboat Company,” said Kristina Heney, chief marketing officer, Hornblower Group. “Kari has enjoyed an impressive career bringing with her valuable experience in the cruising industry and we are sure she will have a great impact on our operation. I am confident her considerable talent and leadership skills will help us drive business growth and build upon the loyal fanbase of our customers.”
As senior vice president of marketing, Kari Tarnowski will be responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s overall marketing strategy including multi-channel customer demand generation, brand positioning, public relations, customer insights, guest feedback, loyalty and retention, competitive analysis and partnership marketing. Tarnowski will work closely with the Hornblower Group leadership team to build a first-class marketing organization that emphasizes consumer experience and competing through technology and performance marketing methods to attract and acquire customers.
Tarnowski will lead the development of new channels for growth, design and communicate the portfolio of American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines brands and create business partnerships that open the door to new revenue streams.
“I’m excited to join the Hornblower Group and lead the marketing strategy behind American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines as we prepare to welcome back our customers,” said Tarnowski, “I look forward to working together with the leadership team and bringing my background in the travel and cruise industries to help establish clear marketing goals for the company that will both strengthen and enhance the division as we continue to provide a best-in-class experience for our guests.”
Tarnowski joins Hornblower Group with her more than two decades of strategic marketing experience in the cruise and hotel industries. Tarnowski joins American Queen Steamboat Company from Crystal Cruises, where she served as vice president of marketing leading their marketing efforts including advertising, digital, direct mail, loyalty programs and marketing communications. Additionally, Tarnowski’s experience in the cruise industry extends through her senior marketing roles she previously served for luxury cruise lines including Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
Previous to Crystal Cruises, Tarnowski was chief marketing officer for Elite Island Resorts where she led marketing efforts for 10 all-inclusive resorts across five islands in the Caribbean. She also served as senior vice president of marketing for Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Tarnowski also played a key role in the inception Hotels.com, where she was part of the company’s launch team in 2002.
Kari is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and resides in South Florida with her two teenage sons.
