Norwegian president and CEO to exit, new boss named

Andy Stuart - President and COO
Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced some major organisational changes for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand.

These changes include the planned departure of Andy Stuart (pictured above), president and CEO of Norwegian, following the launch of Norwegian Encore, and the appointment of Harry Sommer, current president for international at NCLH, as Stuart’s successor.

Stuart will step down from his role on 31 December 2019 and remain with the company as senior advisor through 31 March 2020 to ensure a smooth transition.

Harry Sommer

Harry Sommer

Stuart joined Norwegian in 1988 and held several key executive positions during his tenure of more than three decades.

“I could only have dreamed about my journey at Norwegian when I joined the company in 1988 and am extremely fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of this pioneering brand,” he said.

“I am honoured to have played a role in the leadership position Norwegian now holds in this incredible industry and continue to be proud of the commitment, dedication and passion of our team for delivering a best-in-class vacation experience.

“I have worked closely with Harry and am confident he is the right person to take the helm and continue the journey for Norwegian Cruise Line.”

Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive of NCLH, said: “Andy has accomplished everything possible in the cruise industry, including leading its most storied and innovative brand.

“He will leave on a high note after delivering the brand’s latest ship, Norwegian Encore, the last ship in the most successful ship class in the company’s history.

“We are extremely grateful for his leadership and contributions to Norwegian Cruise Line, our company and the cruise industry.”

Del Rio said Norwegian’s management and board of directors have worked closely on a comprehensive succession plan over the last several years.

“The board and I are confident that Harry is the right person to succeed Andy as president and CEO of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, and look forward to him leveraging his breadth of knowledge and extensive experience in the industry and our company to take the brand to new heights.”

Commenting on his promotion, Sommer said: “Andy and I have worked closely together over the last several years, and I am humbled and honoured to follow in his footsteps and lead this renowned brand.

“I look forward to working with all of our incredible partners worldwide, building off the strong position the brand holds today and charting the strategy for the next phase of Norwegian’s journey.”

Latest News

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]