New York Cruise Lines names new CEO

NEW YORK, NY – New York Cruise Lines, Inc, operator of the world famous sightseeing company Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, dinner cruise innovator World Yacht Dining Cruises, and the new North River Lobster Company, today announced the appointment of Daniel Boockvar as Chief Executive Officer. Boockvar will succeed Samuel Cooperman who has held the role of CEO since 2011 and who will continue to serve as Chairman, a role he has held since 2007.

Boockvar will be taking the helm at New York Cruise Lines at a special time in its history. “As it approaches its milestone 70th Anniversary in 2015, New York Cruise Lines is entering a period of rapid transformation and growth,” said Sam Cooperman. “I am particularly proud of the company’s successful launch this year of the North River Lobster Company which has received widespread critical acclaim, as well as the terrific reception of our new premier class service offering in our core Circle Line Sightseeing business. Danny’s entrepreneurial mindset, service orientation and success scaling brands and businesses fit perfectly into our plans to dramatically upgrade and expand our offerings across all of our businesses and geographies.”

Boockvar brings to New York Cruise Lines extensive experience growing globally-renowned consumer service businesses. Most recently, Boockvar served as Chief Operating Officer & Chief Customer Officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA, where he helped transform the brand, customer orientation, and service delivery of the largest girl-serving organization in the world. Prior to that, Boockvar spent almost 12 years as a senior executive at Weight Watchers International which saw pronounced growth during his tenure. During his last five years at Weight Watchers, he ran U.S. Operations and was responsible for the roll-out of new national service offerings and the launch of new businesses in China and Mexico. Boockvar, a Class of 2010 David Rockefeller Fellow sponsored by the Partnership for New York City, is a native New Yorker who has served on various non-profit boards in New York, including the Success Academy Charter Schools and the NY Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“As a born and bred New Yorker who grew up on the Circle Line, I am honored to have been tapped to innovate and grow this iconic New York institution that sits at the crossroads of Times Square, the High Line, Hudson Yards and other outstanding real estate developments sprouting along New York City’s waterfront,” said Boockvar. “I have been so impressed by the creativity and innovation of the New York Cruise Lines team, and am excited about the opportunity to build upon it and share it with more customers. I look forward to furthering our collaboration and partnership with the local New York community, and growing the company for many years to come.”