The new executive positioning will further bolster operational and strategic initiatives as expansion and growth accelerate

The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection has announced strategic organizational shifts and appointments to its operations leadership team in preparation for future growth. Mark Lockwood moves into the role of Chief Product Officer and Jens Gorka holds the position of Senior Vice President, Shipboard Operations, while the company welcomes Clayton van Welter as Vice President, Marine Operations.

“In our endless pursuit of perfecting the ultra–luxury experience for our guests, this new leadership
structure will establish a strong foundation for effective collaboration and performance, and unlock
our potential for innovation and growth,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO. “Their
collective passion and experience will be integral to offering a consistent, unparalleled guest
experience at sea as we continue growing our fleet.”

Mark Lockwood joined The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection in 2017 with over 25 years of
hospitality and operational experience. Prior to joining the company, Lockwood oversaw
operations for Midtown Athletic Clubs as Corporate VP of Operations and held senior positions at Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Lockwood has also held a
number of key leadership roles in several Leading Hotels of The World. In his most recent roles
as Chief Brand Operations Officer and Senior Vice President, Cruise Hotel Operations, Lockwood
was instrumental in the launch of the company’s first yacht, Evrima. The seasoned veteran takes
on his new role as Chief Product Officer leading the alignment of product development across the
organization to ensure a luxury customer-centric approach throughout all touchpoints of the guest
experience.

Bringing with him 30 years of hospitality experience, Jens Gorka holds the role of SVP, Shipboard
Operations where he will oversee hotel shipboard operations, shipboard finance, procurement, and
logistics across the company’s fleet. Jens successfully led the Shipboard Operation team in Spain
during the final build phase of Evrima. He comes to The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection with 20
years of cruise experience having previously worked for Silversea Cruises where he held various
positions in operations and finance, most recently as VP of Hotel Operations. Jens earned his MBA
from the prestigious EHL Hospitality Business School.

Maritime veteran Clayton van Welter has been appointed to VP, Marine Operations following his
most recent role as Head of Product at Wärtsilä Voyage where he led product strategy and drove
innovative tactics to improve high–level product engagement. With over 17 years in roles shoreside
and at sea at global cruise and marine technology companies, Clayton will supervise marine and
technical operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security, environmental
sustainability, and vessel efficiency. Previously, Clayton led the safety program and compliance
as AVP, Maritime Safety for Royal Caribbean Group where he leveraged his continuous
improvement both on board and ashore.

“I am delighted to welcome Clayton and partner closely with Jens and Mark to promote
collaboration and excellence across the organization,” said Ernesto Fara, President and CFO of
The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection. “Improving efficiency and simplifying workflow will allow us
to further elevate our distinctive experience and continue to improve operational excellence.”

The executive appointments come at an exciting phase of growth for The Ritz–Carlton Yacht
Collection as it expands its fleet with newbuilds Ilma and Luminara, slated to set sail in 2024 and
2025, respectively.

Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz–Carlton® and the casual freedom of a
yachting vacation, The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the
Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Central America. Calling on unique and distinguished
destinations alike, most voyages range from seven to ten nights, offering many overnight calls and
uniquely curated experiences ashore. The first yacht, Evrima, set sail on its maiden voyage in
October 2022. Measuring 190–meters in length, Evrima features 149 suites, each with its own
private terrace, and accommodates up to 298 guests in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. The
Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection plans to expand its fleet with two newbuild superyachts, Ilma, and
Luminara, slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The specially designed superyachts
measure 241–meters in length, feature 224 spacious suites and one of the highest space ratios at
sea. As with The Ritz–Carlton on land, our super yachts feature personalized service, elevated
dining, and luxury amenities. The super yachts are also available for private charter.

The Ritz–Carlton Yacht Collection was created in collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management,
L.P. For more information, visit ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.