Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today announced organizational changes at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. These changes include the planned departure of Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, following the launch of Norwegian Encore and the appointment of Harry Sommer, current president, international for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, as Stuart’s successor. Stuart will step down from his role on Dec. 31, 2019 and remain with the company as senior advisor through March 31, 2020 to ensure a smooth transition.
Stuart joined Norwegian in 1988 and held several key executive positions during his tenure of more than three decades, including: president and CEO; executive v.p., global sales and passenger services; executive v.p. and chief product officer and executive v.p. of marketing, sales and passenger services. Stuart was instrumental in many of the line’s key achievements including the introduction of its revolutionary Freestyle Cruising offering where, in an industry first, guests were freed from traditional set dining times in a single venue and given the freedom and flexibility to dine at whatever time they chose in a variety of dining venues.
“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,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line in press materials. “I am honored 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.”
In a press statement, Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 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 continued, “Over the last several years, Norwegian’s management and Board of Directors have worked closely on a comprehensive succession plan that leveraged the considerable bench strength across the organization. The Board and I are confident that Harry is the right person to succeed Andy as president and Chief Executive Officer 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.”
“Andy and I have worked closely together over the last several years and I am humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps and lead this renowned brand,” said Harry Sommer, President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in press materials. “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.”
Sommer currently serves as president, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. where he is responsible for all sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in all markets outside of the United States and Canada. He previously served as executive v.p., international business development and executive v.p. and CIO for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and held various executive positions for Prestige Cruise Holdings including CMO; senior v.p., finance and CIO and chief accounting officer. Sommer holds a MBA from Pace University and a BBA from Baruch College.
For more information, visit ncl.com.
