Our Principals
Ronald Kurtz
President
Prior to founding MRG in 1989, Ron's experience included over twenty years in general management and senior marketing positions in both large and entrepreneurial organizations competing in U.S. and international markets.
Ron was employed twice by three different executives to help with two start-up, two turnaround, and two fast-growth companies in the airline and cruise industries.
As founding president of Sea Goddess Cruises, Ron defined the business strategies and established the organization that launched the company and quickly led to its recognition as the industry's finest cruise line. He also served as the chief marketing officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, Windstar Sail Cruises, and The French Line.
Ron held executive positions at and played a major role in the turnaround of Quality International (now Choice Hotels) and the American Express wholesale package, tour, and charter business. At both Northeast Airlines and Pan Am, Ron developed and coordinated their first marketing planning systems.
Ron earned his MBA degree at Harvard Business School where, upon graduation, he worked for a year on the faculty. His BBA degree is from the University of Texas. A frequent writer for trade publications and speaker at industry functions, he is the author of the book Market Research: Strategy and Techniques, published by The American Management Association.
Michael Smith
Executive Director, Marketing Research
Michael Smith has over 25 years of experience in marketing, research, strategic planning, business development and organizational management for a variety of companies in the transportation, travel & hospitality and construction industries.
These companies include Ryder System, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Prior to joining MRG as a senior associate and project director, Smith provided consulting services to clients in advertising, barter media, professional sports, travel, and non-profit organizations. Smith has both his BBA in Marketing and MBA from Florida International University in Miami, Florida.
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