Irish born Jo Rzymowska received an English civic honour, the MBE, at Windsor Castle from Anne Windsor, elder sister of Ebngland[s king, on 14 January 2026 for contributions to the travel industry over 40 years. The award recognises her work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through leadership at Thomas Cook, Disney Destinations, and Royal Caribbean Group as Vice President and Managing Director EMEA for Celebrity Cruises. Initiatives include Pride at Sea and the All Inclusive Photo Project for better representation. A celebration dinner followed at Ognisko Polskie with travel sector leaders. She now operates Jovolution Ltd for leadership strategy and serves as Non-Executive Director at Hays Travel.
Her career focused on inclusive practices, employee networks, and people-centred business approaches. The honour stems from the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours. Dame Irene Hays gave a tribute speech at the event. Jo’s family refugee background from Poland shapes her commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Jo Rzymowska shared “This has been one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work in an industry full of passionate, generous people and to celebrate this milestone surrounded by so many friends and colleagues meant everything. This honour strengthens my belief that inclusion, empathy and courage are not just values, they are essential to our future as an industry.”
