NCL’s Stuart Stepping Down
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced organizational changes at its Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand, with the planned departure of Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer.
Stuart is stepping down following the launch of Norwegian Encore with his successor being Harry Sommer, current president, International, for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Stuart will officially leave his role on Dec. 31 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 chief operating officer; executive vice-president, Global Sales and Passenger Services; executive vice-president and Chief Product Officer and executive vice-president 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 Stuart. “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.”
“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,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are extremely grateful for his leadership and contributions to Norwegian Cruise Line, our company and the cruise industry.”
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.
