SeaDream Names Lepisto President after Pimentel Departure

SeaDream Yacht Club owner Atle Brynestad named Bob Lepisto president of the two-ship line, effective Jan. 8. He replaces Larry Pimentel, who abruptly left the company Jan. 5, citing “fundamental disagreements with the principals of the organization.”

Upon Pimentel’s departure, Brynestad assumed the CEO title and will remain in that position, continuing to be based in Oslo. Lepisto will oversee the Miami office with responsibilities for sales and marketing in North America.

Mr. Lepisto has been with SeaDream since its beginning in 2001, serving as senior vice president-sales and marketing. He started his travel career at Continental Airlines as a flight attendant and over 22 years moved up to the position of vice president-sales for the airline.

He was president of The Travel Institute (formerly ICTA) for six years before moving on to head the sales operation for the combined Cunard-Seabourn company under Pimentel. He joined Pimentel and Brynestad to start SeaDream.