Phuket People: Introducing Andaman Cruises’ new GM

PHUKET: German born Christian Schwind, a marketing professional with 14 years experience in business management, marketing and PR, has been appointed as general manager of Andaman Cruises, a luxury yacht charter company based in Phuket.

Prior to taking on the role of GM, he was the Managing Director of Andaman Travel, an Asia based luxury travel company which helped him gain vital experience for his new position. Before Andaman travel, he worked for five years at the European headquarters of the Russian energy company Gazprom as Senior Manager for marketing and PR.

Back at university, Mr Christian studied Business Communication Management with a focus on International Marketing at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin. During his studies he was a head of PR for the German Communication Award.

Andaman Cruises was founded in 2008 in Phuket and oversees a fleet of eight vessels, including many stylish contemporary luxury yachts, such as the 23-meter fly-bridge motor yacht MY Olympia and the MY Mayavee, a 19-meter motor yacht from the renowned English family of Princess. Some of Andaman Cruises’ high-profile clients include football star Cristiano Ronaldo, UEFA President Michel Platini, Ed Hardy Designer Christian Audigier and German model Heidi Klum.

“Andaman Cruises is a synonym for Phuket’s most exciting and stylish contemporary luxury yachts.

“Our company stands for lifestyle and premium hospitality. We are highly appreciated by international stars such as football star Cristiano Ronaldo and top model Heidi Klum. As the new GM, my goal is to keep that positive spirit alive,” he said.

Christian Schwind is an outgoing character with a very positive outlook on life.

“My motto is ‘life is about living’. In my eyes that’s what it is all about. That means, you have to fulfill your life with whatever you like; dancing, laughing and communicating and hopefully cruising with us,” he said.

When it comes to hobbies, Christian told the Phuket Gazette that he is interested in music, design, arts and photography as well as sports, but his main interest is people. He said that he relishes the opportunity of meeting new people.

“That’s one of the main reasons why I moved to Asia. The continent is on the march and really interesting people are living and working here,” he said.

Two of his favorite spots in Phuket are the Catch Beach Club in Surin and Sanaeha located on Yaowarat Rd, Phuket Town.

“It’s a fascinating place [Catch], that catches me every time because of its unique atmosphere. In addition, I really like to go to Sanaeha, which is a trendy bar located in Phuket Town,” he said.

“Phuket offers a fantastic work-life-balance as we are working on a tropical island. For me it was love at first sight, because of its diversity. Phuket isn’t perfect and that makes it perfect for me. You can enjoy both, the simple life and the high-end lifestyle. It’s like yin and yang – both elements belong together,” he added.