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NCL name
Kevin Sheehan as its new CEO, replacing
Colin Veitch |
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Norwegian Cruise Line
has named Kevin Sheehan as its new CEO, replacing Colin Veitch, who
held the slot since 2000. Sheehan, who before being named to the new
post was president and CFO of NCL, will continue in those capacities
as well.
Prior to joining NCL, Sheehan served as chairman and CEO of Cendant
Corp.'s vehicle services division, overseeing several companies,
including Avis and Budget. Now, he is tasked with leading the
"freestyle cruising line" through an economic morass, not unlike the
one post-9/11.
In his favor, NCL reported a third-quarter profit of $171 million,
compared to the same time last year, when it reported a loss of $8.6
million.
Also, NCL named Andy Stuart executive vice president, global sales
and passenger services. Stuart previously was in charge of those
areas, but during the past six months, he has worked as executive
vice president and chief product officer, directing the expansion
and upgrade of the "freestyle" concept.
Sheehan's appointment is another in a growing list of moves NCL has
made since its 50-percent acquisition by Apollo Management last
January. The line also redeployed two of its Hawaii ships to Europe.
"We are extremely pleased with the revenue performance achieved in
the [third] quarter and the significant improvement in our
profitability," Sheehan said in a statement. "Our Hawaii operation
is now profitable, the growth of our international fleet has had a
very positive impact."
Sheehan also jumps in at a time when the line is in disagreement
with Aker Yards in France over the construction of two NCL F3 ships;
the dispute stemming from the cost of building. See news article -
NCL. |
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Rick
Sasso to assume CLIA Marketing chair |
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Rick Sasso, president and ceo of MSC Cruises USA,
will succeed Dan Hanrahan as chairman of the Cruise Lines
International Association Marketing Committee, effective Jan. 1.
Hanrahan, president and ceo of Celebrity Cruises,
has led the Marketing Committee for the past two years.
CLIA president and ceo Terry Dale said Sasso steps in at a time when
the industry needs ‘dynamic, innovative leadership and strategic
thinking.’
Dale added: ‘Marketing is going to be more important than ever in
the months to come and we are extremely grateful that industry
leaders such as Dan Hanrahan, whose service has been above and
beyond the call of duty, and now Rick Sasso are willing to give CLIA
much of their valuable time.’ |
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David
Giersdorf joins Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd.
as acting President and CEO |
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Industry veteran executive David Giersdorf joined
Paul Gauguin Shipping Ltd. as acting president and ceo as the
company assumes full operation of Paul Gauguin beginning in January
2010.
Giersdorf will lead the Paul Gauguin transition
team for an initial period of six months. The plan is aimed at
ensuring a successful transition of the ship, which is operating as
part of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet through 2009 and
independently thereafter.
Giersdorf brings experience in small-ship cruising and the
development of French Polynesia as a cruise destination. He said the
immediate focus is to establish the reservations, sales and
marketing resources to support the upcoming launch of Paul Gauguin’s
2010 itineraries.
Giersdorf most recently served as president and coo of Ambassadors
Cruise Group. Earlier he was evp marketing and sales for Holland
America Line. Other senior management and/or ownership roles were at
Exploration Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Glacier Bay Lodge and the
marketing services firm CF2GS.
He chaired Cruise Lines International Association for a short
period. |
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With
9 major new ships being delivered next year - could the timing be worse? |
There are nine major news ships arriving in 2009 to make up a
total of 38 new ships being delivered between 2008 & 2012. This represent
an increase in the number of beds to sell from 262,000 at year end 2007 to
346,000 at the end of 2012, a 32% gain (not taking into account older ships
likely to leave the market).
But it may just be what the industry needs as the new products may give travel
agents a needed boost in tough times.
Certainly no other leisure travel segment is growing its product so
dramatically. Harrah's and other Vegas hotels are bleeding financially. Many
leading Hawaii hotels are now experiencing dwindling occupancies. On the
all-inclusive side, there's a big growth in Jamaica, but air is a problem to the
Caribbean. Mexico all-inclusives should fare better, but there are no
particularly exciting developments in product there.
Contrast that to changes in the cruise biz next year: newbuilds of relevance to
the North American market in 2009 are Seabourn Odyssey, Costa Luminosa and
Pacifica, MSC Splendida and Magnifica, Celebrity Equinox, Oasis of the Seas,
Silver Spirit, and Carnival Dream. |
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