NORWEGIAN Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced its Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio Sr (pictured) will retire at the end of Jun, after an illustrious 30-year career in the industry. The company has also announced its succession plan, with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) President & Chief Executive Officer Harry...
NORWEGIAN Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced its Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio Sr (pictured) will retire at the end of Jun, after an illustrious 30-year career in the industry.
The company has also announced its succession plan, with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) President & Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer to take Del Rio’s place.
NCL Chief Consumer Sales & Marketing Officer David Herrera will succeed Sommer as President of the cruise line from next month.
“Leading NCLH has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” Del Rio said.
“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.”
Del Rio has led the company since 2015, and prior to that led Prestige Cruise International, which operated Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, from 2002 until its acquisition by NCLH.
He founded Oceania in 2002, creating a new “upper premium” market space in the cruise industry.
During his tenure, Del Rio successfully led NCLH in welcoming eight new ships since 2015, introduced Harvest Caye, the company’s second private island destination, and achieved industry-leading yields and financial results.
Del Rio also led NCLH through the COVID-19 pandemic, the most tumultuous time in the company’s 60-plus-year history, and was a vocal leader and advocate for the entire cruise industry through unprecedented times as it worked to resume cruise operations globally.
“On behalf of the board and the entire organisation, I thank Frank for his invaluable contributions to this company and the cruise industry throughout the last 30 years,” Chair Russell Galbut said.
“He has delivered superior financial results, expanded our fleet with luxurious and innovative ships, strengthened our global footprint, and delivered unparalleled experiences for our guests.
“His passion and dedication will have a lasting impact on both our business and the industry at large.”
