MIAMI — There’s been a changing of the guard at Norwegian Cruise Line, which just announced the appointment of David J. Herrera as its new President, effective April 1, 2023.
Herrera will take over the reins from Harry J. Sommer, who on July 1, 2023 will transition to be the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the parent company for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“David and I have worked closely together for almost a decade expanding NCL’s global presence and shaping its future,” said Harry Sommer, Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “With over 25 years of robust corporate business experience and a strong financial, sales, marketing and business development background, David is a key contributor to NCL’s success, and I am certain he will continue to guide the NCL brand on an accelerated path forward.”
FRANK DEL RIO RETIRING
The news coincides with an announcement from NCLH that Frank J. Del Rio has decided to retire and step down from his position as the company’s President and CEO, and from its Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2023.
Del Rio will serve in a consultant capacity as a Senior Advisor to the board through 2025.
Del Rio, with more than three decades in the cruise industry, has led the company since 2015 and prior to that led Prestige Cruise International, Inc., or its predecessor, which operated Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, from 2002 until its acquisition by Norwegian. Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002. During his tenure, Del Rio successfully led the company in welcoming eight new and innovative ships since 2015, introducing NCLH’s second private island destination, Harvest Caye, and achieving industry-leading yields and financial results. Del Rio also led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire organization, I thank Frank for his invaluable contributions to this Company and the cruise industry throughout the last 30 years,” said Russell W. Galbut, chairman of the Board of Directors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “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.”
HERRERA: NCLH SINCE 2015
Herrera, who currently serves as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, has been with NCLH since 2015. He previously served as Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Prestige Cruise Holdings from 2012-through 2015. Throughout his tenure, Herrera has held a variety of senior leadership roles within the organization, including SVP Brand Finance, Strategy and Consumer Research; SVP Corporate Development for NCLH; and President of NCLH China.
In his current role as Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, Herrera has led the sales and marketing teams to record results. In November 2022, the company recorded its best booked month ever, ending the year at record booking levels for 2023 and setting another new record in January. As a U.S. veteran himself, he also co-sponsored the development of the brand’s first-ever Military Appreciation Program in November 2022, a landmark initiative that honours U.S. military members with an exclusive offer and onboard experiences.
With Herrera’s appointment as NCL President, Adam Malone, who currently oversees consumer and integrated marketing, will assume the role of chief Marketing Officer, while 15-year NCL veteran Michael Tomoleoni, who currently manages the consumer sales division, will now serve as Chief Consumer Sales Officer. Jason Krimmel will assume the newly created role of Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer.
