Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces CEO Retirement & Executive Leadership Succession Plan
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) has announced that Frank J. Del Rio has decided to retire and will step down from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as his position on the Board of Directors, on June 30, 2023. Del Rio will continue to serve in a consultant capacity as a Senior Advisor to the Board through 2025.
Harry J. Sommer has been appointed as Del Rio’s successor as President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and will also join the Company's Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023. David J. Herrera has been named President of Norwegian Cruise Line, effective April 1, 2023.
Frank Del Rio has had a remarkable three-decade career in the cruise industry. He has led Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings since 2015, and prior led Prestige Cruise International, Inc. (which operated Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) from 2002 until its acquisition by Norwegian. Del Rio was responsible for helping to found the Oceania Cruises brand in 2002. During his tenure as NCHL CEO and President, Del Rio successfully welcomed eight new ships since 2015, introduced the company’s second private island destination (Harvest Caye), and helped the company to achieve industry-leading yields and financial results.
“Leading Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to our 39,000 team members around the globe whose innovation, tenacity and collaboration have strengthened this Company and built the industry’s most passionate and loyal base of cruisers. With the Company solidly positioned for 2023 and beyond, I am confident that now is the right time to pass the baton to Harry. Having worked closely with Harry for decades, I know firsthand that his talent and skills are ideally suited to take this Company into its next era. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Harry, the Board and our management team during the coming months to ensure a seamless transition and I am delighted to continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the Board after the transition.”
Harry Sommer has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line since 2020. In addition to his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of NCL, Sommer expanded his responsibilities in recent months to include oversight for all of NCLH’s other revenue-generating functional areas, including Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the company’s tri-branded Onboard Revenue department. Somer has also held executive roles at various cruise operators.
“I am incredibly humbled to succeed Frank as this iconic Company’s next President and CEO, and I’m grateful to have the unwavering support of him and the Board to lead the Company as we embark on the next chapter for our storied brands,” remarked Sommer. “I am proud to have been a part of the Company’s successes during the last 15 years, and I look forward to the bright future ahead, including the transformational growth we have in the pipeline. I am honored and excited to lead and work alongside what is unquestionably the best team in the industry to deliver on our business and financial goals.”
Succeeding Sommer as President of Norwegian Cruise Line is David J. Herrera, who has served as Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer of NCL since 2021. Prior to this role, Herrera was Senior Vice President of Brand Finance, Strategy and Consumer Research of NCL, and has held a number of variety of leadership roles within NCLH.
“I look forward to continuing to work alongside Harry and our leadership team to build on our strong momentum and continue to provide NCL guests with industry-leading experiences,” Herrera said. “I am honored and grateful for this incredible opportunity to lead this premier cruise line and our world-class team.”
Post A Comment