Hornblower Group Welcomes John Coppolella as New Sales VP to Propel Global Strategy
Hornblower Group Welcomes John Coppolella as New Vice President of Sales Development
Hornblower Group, a prominent leader in providing unique experiences and transportation solutions, recently announced the appointment of John Coppolella as its new Vice President of Sales Development. The decision, which became effective on March 3, 2025, marks a significant strategic move aimed at boosting the company's sales initiatives worldwide.
In this key role, Coppolella will lead robust recruitment efforts across the globe, focusing on attracting and retaining top-tier sales talent. Furthermore, he will implement and manage performance optimization strategies that are crucial for enhancing the overall effectiveness of Hornblower Group’s sales initiatives. With a career spanning over two decades, John brings a comprehensive set of skills in talent acquisition and organizational development.
Before joining Hornblower Group, Coppolella served as the Head of Talent Acquisition at Vidanta, the largest luxury resort chain in Mexico, where he successfully spearheaded efforts to recruit elite sales professionals. His impressive resume also includes a significant position as the Senior Vice President of Personnel Development at Diamond Resorts.
Coppolella's experience extends to Major League Baseball, where he spent more than 15 years working with notable organizations like the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees. As Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Braves from 2015 to 2017, he played a crucial role in transforming the team’s performance metrics and talent acquisition processes. Under his guidance, the Braves achieved remarkable improvements, ultimately being recognized as the top team in Baseball America’s talent rankings for 2017.
Reflecting on his new role, Hornblower Group CEO Mike Flaskey expressed enthusiasm about Coppolella's addition to the team: “We are thrilled to welcome John to Hornblower Group. His vast experience in talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational strategy will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our global sales team. I am confident that John will play a pivotal role in ensuring we attract and retain top-tier talent.”
Coppolella himself shared his excitement about joining Hornblower Group during a pivotal time in the company's journey. He remarked, “My experience across various industries has given me a unique perspective, and I'm eager to contribute to Hornblower Group's continued growth and drive performance across our sales efforts.”
John Coppolella holds an MBA from the University of Florida and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame. His unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, and robust industry experience positions him as a formidable asset to the Hornblower Group as they embark on their next phase of growth.
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in creating memorable experiences and offering transportation services. With a rich history spanning over a century, the organization boasts a diverse portfolio that includes water-based dining and sightseeing cruises, as well as land-based experiences such as walking and food tours. Hornblower Group also manages ferry services and transportation solutions, catering to millions of guests across more than 10 countries and over 50 cities in the U.S.
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in cities like New York and Chicago, Hornblower Group is committed to providing innovative solutions in the tourism and entertainment sectors. To learn more about their offerings and organizational initiatives, visit hornblowercorp.com.