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Costa Cruise Lines
Hans Hesselberg ~ Vice President, Hotel Operations
Hans Hesselberg came to Costa Cruises in 1995 as Vice President of Hotel Operations. His role
has been instrumental in creating product guidelines for Costa's Caribbean Season while also
overseeing the operation of the Hotel and Vessel Operations.
Hesselberg has over 21 years of Hotel Management experience in the cruise industry. Prior to joining
Costa, Hesselberg has worked in executive positions for American Hawaii Cruises, Commodore
Cruise Lines, Scandinavian World Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
After being released from military service, Hesselberg attended the Norwegian Hotel
Management School in Stavanger, Norway where he received a BS in Hotel Management. He later completed advanced
Financial Management courses at Cornell University.
Hans Hesselberg currently resides with is wife in Miami and is a member of the Rotary Club of Miami, the Chaine des
Rotisseurs, the Torque Blanc, and was founder and former President of Les Amis d'Escoffier Society of South Florida.
Linda Parrotta ~ Vice President, Marketing
With a combination of creative finesse and business savvy, Linda Parrotta has overseen the success
and evolution of marketing for Costa Cruise Lines—North America over the past 13 years.
From new tag lines to new ad campaigns, her marketing expertise has significantly contributed to
the growth of the company’s brand awareness.
Parrotta joined Costa as Director of Marketing Services in 1993. Two years later, she was appointed
Vice President of Marketing, a position in which she is responsible for Costa’s in-house marketing
department. Some of her job responsibilities include overseeing the creation and production
of advertising and collateral materials, directing Costa’s advertising agency, as well as merchandising,
promotions and public relations. Prior to joining Costa, Parrotta held positions in account management both
at Harris Drury Cohen and BBDO advertising agencies, specializing in travel and retail accounts. She holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Florida International University.
Throughout trade and consumer marketing campaigns, Parrotta has been instrumental in integrating elements of Costa’s
“Cruising Italian Style” and “Europe’s Number One Cruise Line” messaging. She has also been responsible for securing
significant coverage for Costa on a national level through strategic promotional and public relations efforts. In addition,
she recently oversaw a complete brand review for the company, which resulted in a new brand positioning and
advertising campaign.
36 CRUISE INDUSTRY PROFILES • 2007