Norwegian Cruise Line announces a major leadership change

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced significant changes to its leadership team, with Harry J. Sommer becoming the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2023.

Sommer will replace current CEO and President Frank Del Rio, who has elected to retire and step down from his position and the board effective June 30. The company also announced that David J. Herrera will become Norwegian Cruise Line’s new President. valid from April 1, 2023.

Important changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced some important changes to its leadership team.

Harry J. Sommer, the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, will become the next President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, effective July 1, 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief consumer sales and marketing officer, David J. Herrera, will become the new cruise line president, effective April 1, 2023.

The changes come as Norwegian announced that its current President and CEO, Frank Del Rio, has decided to retire. This news surprised many given Del Rio has been in the cruise business for three decades and has successfully run the company since 2015. Effective June 30, Del Rio will step down as president and board of directors.

Harry Sommer, NCLH’s new CEO, said the following: “David and I have worked closely together for nearly a decade to expand NCL’s global footprint and shape its future. With over 25 years of robust corporate experience and a strong background in finance, sales, marketing and business development, David is a key contributor to NCL’s success and I am confident he will continue to lead the NCL brand on an accelerated path forward. ”

As President of Norwegian Cruise Line, David Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and execution of the brand’s business plan.

David Herrera: “I am honored and honored to have the opportunity to lead NCL’s passionate and incredible team and continue to work with Harry and our outstanding leadership group to build on our strong momentum. It will be another milestone year for us as we continue to introduce Prima Class and I look forward to leading our team and guests on this exciting journey.”

Strong leadership at NCLH as the company looks to the future

David Herrera is currently NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer and has worked at NCLH since 2015. In his previous positions within the organization, he served as Senior Vice President of Brand Finance, Strategy and Consumer Research and President of NCLH China behind the military recognition program.

As the new President of Norwegian Cruise Line, Herrera will be responsible for the overall strategic vision and execution of the brand’s business plan.

Harry Sommer, Chief Executive of Norwegian Cruise Line since 2020, will become the new CEO of NCLH effective July 1, 2023. With over 30 years of experience, he has played a significant role in itinerary planning, ship design and onboard guest experiences. Sommer will work closely with Herrera during the transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

“I’m incredibly honored to succeed Frank as the next President and CEO of this iconic company, and I’m grateful that he and the board have the unwavering support to lead the company as we embark on the next chapter for our iconic brands .” said summer.

Del Rio, who has been in the cruise business for three decades, has led the company since 2015. Del Rio led Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings through the global pause in operations between 2020 and 2021. He will serve as a senior advisor to the board through 2025.

In a statement, the current NCLH CEO and President said: “My heartfelt thanks go to our 39,000 team members around the world whose innovation, tenacity and collaboration have strengthened this company and built the most passionate and loyal base of cruisers in the industry.”

This recent announcement of senior management changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is not the first time the company has undergone significant organizational changes. Last December, the company announced the appointment of new presidents for its Brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

In addition to these leadership changes, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also announced at the time a 9% shore workforce reduction, which the company described as “rightsizing” to align with its strategic priorities.

With all brands continuing to expand, nearing launch and new leadership in place, NCLH is well positioned to continue its growth and success for years to come. The company also announced this several design changes to the Prima ship classand Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises respectively launch new ships soon.