Former Disney Travel President Kenneth Svendsen Joins Entertainment Cruises as …

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Chicago-based Entertainment
Cruises, a member of Pritzker
Group Private Capital’s family of companies and the largest dining
cruise company in the United States, today announced the appointment of
Kenneth Svendsen as its new chief executive officer.

Svendsen, 49, joins Entertainment Cruises following nearly three decades
in the entertainment, hospitality and travel industries. Most recently,
he served as president of the Walt Disney Travel Company, an affiliate
of The Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), one of the country’s largest travel
wholesalers, and served as senior vice president of global sales,
distribution, and travel operations for Disney Destinations.
Additionally, Svendsen led Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where he focused on one-on-one guest
interactions and experiences.

Prior to Disney, Svendsen was senior vice president and global head of
sales and reservations for Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT). As the group
transitioned from a regional to a global entity, Svendsen oversaw global
sales, distribution, regional marketing, reservations, customer service
and quality assurance for the Hilton Worldwide’s global hotel portfolio.

“Having led transformative growth at two world-renowned companies,
Kenneth is a great example of the energetic, transformative, visionary
business leaders with whom we work best,” said J.B. Pritzker, managing
partner of Pritzker Group and Chairman of Entertainment Cruises. “His
collaborative, results-driven approach will be an excellent fit for
Entertainment Cruises’ commitment to creating unforgettable memories for
its guests.”

Gregg Kaplan, Pritzker Group Private Capital’s operating partner for
services sector investing, will also serve on Entertainment Cruises’
board of directors.

“I am excited to join Entertainment Cruises which delivers a world-class
cruise experience with unmatched views of some of our nation’s most
beautiful cities,” said Kenneth Svendsen. “I am also pleased to partner
with the Pritzkers whose proprietary capital and long term vision allow
Entertainment Cruises to continually innovate its service offering
providing its customers with exciting and memorable experiences.”

About Entertainment Cruises

Entertainment Cruises is the largest dining cruise company in the United
States. Headquartered in Chicago, Entertainment Cruises now serves 1.5
million guests annually with a fleet of 30 ships in cities that include
Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; National Harbor, MD; Norfolk, VA;
Philadelphia; New York; Fort Lauderdale; Miami; Boca Raton; Palm Beach;
and Washington, D.C. From luxury dining cruises and skyline tours to
speedboat excursions, Entertainment Cruises maintains an impressive
portfolio of vessels and brands which includes Odyssey Cruises, Spirit
Cruises, Mystic Blue Cruises, Bateaux New York, Seadog Cruises, Elite
Private Yachts, and Windridge Yacht Charters. The brands are
collectively defined by operational excellence, superior service,
quality entertainment, exceptional views and an unwavering commitment to
delivering high-value, high-enjoyment experiences. For more information
or to inquire about reservations, visit entertainmentcruises.com.

About Pritzker Group

Pritzker Group, led by Tony and J.B. Pritzker, has three principal
investment teams: Private Capital, which acquires and operates leading
North America-based companies; Venture Capital, which provides
early-stage and growth venture funding to technology companies
throughout the United States; and Asset Management, which partners with
top-performing investment managers across global public markets.

Pritzker Group Private Capital acquires North America-based
middle-market companies with leading positions in the manufactured
products, services and health care sectors. The firm’s permanent,
proprietary capital base allows for efficient decision making, broad
flexibility with transaction structure and investment horizon, and
alignment with management teams focused on creating long-term value.
Pritzker Group brings significant resources, expertise and credibility
in building businesses and is an ideal partner for entrepreneur- and
family-owned companies. For more information, visit pritzkergroup.com.