Villa Vie Residences announced the appointment of Chris Cox as President of Project Lumina, a new ultra-luxury product within the brand family. In this role, he will lead the development and implementation of the plan, which will introduce a new category of refined residential living by the sea, complementing the existing contemporary offering aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.
Project Lumina is Villa Vie’s long-term growth initiative, focused on strengthening the company’s foundations, expanding its capabilities, and preparing for the next stage of global residential cruising.
As President, Cox will oversee vessel acquisition, comprehensive ship conversion planning, architectural programming, sales and marketing strategy, investor engagement, and the development of global partnerships.
As part of Project Lumina, Villa Vie Residences will make a major announcement in the coming weeks regarding the latest addition to its fleet, an ultra-luxury residential ship scheduled to launch under a new brand.
This upcoming ship will feature fully-owned private residences; world-class amenities and services; a carefully crafted global itinerary for discerning travelers seeking a superior residential experience at sea.
With the introduction of Lumina, future residents will enjoy a broad spectrum of ownership options, from affordable homes for traveling the world aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey to ultra-luxury villa experiences aboard the upcoming Lumina flagship.
Project Lumina will operate in parallel with Villa Vie’s current contemporary model, aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, which will continue to receive dedicated focus in leadership, sales, and operations, maintaining its role as the company’s flagship contemporary residential product.
“Project Lumina does not replace our commitment to the Odyssey. It reinforces our ability to build a stable, long-term business structure, while expanding what it means to call the ocean our home,” stated Kathy Villalba, CEO and co-founder of Villa Vie Residences.
“Chris’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our evolution as a global leader in offshore residential living. Project Lumina is designed to consolidate our solid foundation and thoughtfully expand lifestyle options within the Villa Vie family. Chris brings the strategic mindset, industry expertise, and leadership we need to execute this new stage, without losing sight of the daily experience our residents enjoy aboard the Odyssey,” added Villalba.
Cox is a senior executive specializing in luxury real estate strategy, brand development, and large-scale residential acquisitions.
With a broad trajectory in high-end real estate, international marketing, and investor relations, he has played a fundamental role in the rapid expansion of the maritime residential category, most recently as Global Sales Director of Crescent Seas.
In his new role, Cox will be in charge of guiding discussions with investors and the capital strategy related to the brand; leading the strategic roadmap and corporate development of Project Lumina; building the sales and marketing framework for future initiatives; overseeing the acquisition, conversion, and launch planning of future Lumina vessels.
Working closely with Villa Vie’s executive team to ensure that Lumina strengthens, rather than distracts from, current operations.
“I am delighted to join Villa Vie at such a decisive moment for the brand and the category. There is an incredible demand for authentic offshore residential lifestyles, from affordable homes that allow for world travel to ultra-luxury villa experiences. Project Lumina will focus on listening carefully to that demand and translating it into high-value, elegantly designed products that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal,” stated Chris Cox.
