Dietmar R. Wertanzl is a dynamic and accomplished global hospitality executive with more than four decades of expertise across a diverse range of industries, including cruise, hotels, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment. Known for his deep knowledge of both ocean and expedition cruise markets, Wertanzl has played a pivotal role in transforming brands, elevating service cultures, and driving profitability for major players in the hospitality and travel industries. His leadership style is defined by decisiveness, a commitment to excellence, and an ability to inspire teams to deliver unparalleled guest experiences.
Currently serving as President & CEO of Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, Dietmar is responsible for overseeing global operations and P&L management, having successfully guided the company after the acquisition of CMI Leisure Management, where he had also served as CEO for seven years. Under his leadership, CMI expanded its boutique cruise offerings, increasing profitability while enhancing guest satisfaction. His contributions to the luxury cruise industry have earned him a reputation as an innovative leader capable of navigating complex operational challenges while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.
Wertanzl’s career is marked by successful stints at industry-leading companies such as Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Tauck World Discovery, and Cruise West, where he held senior executive roles and consistently delivered measurable results in profitability, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. While serving as Senior Vice President of Fleet Operations at Celebrity Cruises, he led the introduction of new luxury concepts such as the “Concierge Class” and the groundbreaking “Acupuncture at Sea” program. His visionary approach helped position Celebrity Cruises as the top-rated premium cruise line for three consecutive years by Condé Nast Traveler.
Dietmar’s expertise extends beyond operations and guest services to include sales, marketing, human resources, strategic partnerships, and business development. He has been instrumental in driving brand differentiation across various luxury brands by introducing innovative service concepts and forming strategic alliances with industry icons such as Wolfgang Puck and Nobu. His leadership at Crystal Cruises, for example, resulted in the brand securing its place as the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line for seven consecutive years.
In addition to his operational acumen, Dietmar is a lifelong learner and advocate for education. He has completed executive leadership programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Cornell University, and UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, ensuring that he stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. His passion for teaching and mentoring is evident through his roles as a Master Class Lecturer and Dean’s Distinguished Lecturer at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, as well as his service as an Adjunct Professor in hospitality management at Nova University.
Dietmar’s commitment to the broader hospitality community is demonstrated through his participation on numerous industry boards and advisory committees. He has served on the Cornell Industry Affairs Advisory Board, is a lifetime member of the Cornell Hotel Society, and has been an active supporter of arts and culture, animal welfare, education, and science and technology initiatives. His involvement in charitable causes such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Florida Audubon Society showcases his dedication to giving back to the community.
Fluent in both German and English, and possessing extensive international exposure in markets such as Switzerland, Japan, Germany, and the United States, Dietmar brings a truly global perspective to his leadership approach. His cultural fluency and ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams make him a valuable asset in today’s interconnected hospitality landscape. Whether steering complex global operations or mentoring the next generation of hospitality leaders, Dietmar’s passion for excellence shines through in all aspects of his work.
Dietmar’s ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution has earned him a reputation as a trusted leader who can seamlessly integrate high-level strategy with day-to-day operations. His leadership mantra, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions,” reflects his unwavering belief in continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. This philosophy has enabled him to consistently deliver strong financial results while enhancing the guest experience across multiple touchpoints.
Character:
Dietmar’s character is defined by his integrity, discipline, and dedication to excellence. His ability to foster strong relationships and lead with compassion has earned him the respect and loyalty of his teams, peers, and industry colleagues.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of experience, Dietmar possesses deep industry knowledge that spans the hospitality, cruise, and travel sectors. His expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and brand differentiation sets him apart as a thought leader in the luxury service space.
Strategic:
Dietmar is a visionary leader known for his ability to identify opportunities for growth and innovation. He excels at aligning organizational goals with actionable strategies, resulting in improved profitability and long-term success.
Communication:
Dietmar’s communication skills are one of his greatest strengths. He is adept at articulating a clear vision and aligning teams toward common goals, fostering an environment of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
