Frank J. Del Rio has decided to retire as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, as well as from its Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2023. Del Rio will serve as a senior advisor to the Board until 2025. Harry J. Sommer, who has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCL since 2020, has been appointed to succeed Del Rio and will also join the Company’s Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023. David J. Herrera, who has served as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer since 2021, will succeed Sommer as Chairman of NCL, effective April 1, 2023.
Del Rio has led the Company since 2015 and previously led Prestige Cruise International, Inc., 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 ships since 2015, introducing the Company’s second private island destination, Harvest Caye, and achieving industry-leading financial performance and results.
Sommer, 55, has over 30 years of experience in the cruise industry in sales, marketing, revenue management, passenger services, itinerary development, and international business development and operations. In addition to his role as President and CEO of NCL, Sommer has expanded his responsibilities in recent months to include oversight of all other revenue-generating functional areas of the Company, including Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the tri-brand Onboard Revenue department. Previously, he served as International President and, throughout his career, has also held executive positions at several cruise operators.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire organization, I thank Frank for his contributions to this Company and the cruise industry over the past 30 years,” said Russell W. Galbut, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “He has delivered outstanding financial results, expanded our fleet with luxurious and innovative ships, strengthened our global presence, and provided unparalleled experiences for our guests. His passion and dedication will have a lasting impact on both our business and the industry as a whole.”
Galbut continued: “The Board is delighted to appoint Harry as Frank’s successor as the Company’s next CEO. A highly experienced leader and operator, Harry has worked alongside Frank for many years and has been instrumental in driving the success of our largest and most award-winning brand during a critical time. He successfully relaunched the NCL fleet after a hiatus of more than 500 days, delivered the innovative Norwegian Prima, the first of six ships in the brand’s new class, and led the team to a record-breaking year of bookings in 2022. Harry is undoubtedly the right leader to guide our Company into the next chapter of growth.”
“Leading Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” said Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Having worked closely with Harry for decades, I know firsthand that his talent and skills are ideally suited to lead this company into its next era. I am delighted to continue serving as a senior advisor to the Board following the transition.”.
“I am proud to have been part of the company’s successes over the past 15 years and look forward to the bright future ahead. I am honored and excited to lead and work alongside what is undoubtedly the best team in the industry to achieve our business and financial goals,” said Sommer. He added, “I am especially pleased that David will be leading Norwegian Cruise Line, as he has been a key contributor to NCL’s success in recent years.”
“I am honored and grateful for this incredible opportunity to lead this world-class cruise line and our world-class team,” Herrera commented.
