Dingle promoted as Ratcliffe announces Carnival Corp retirement
Carnival UK managing director David Dingle is being promoted on the announcement that his US-based boss Peter Ratcliffe is to retire.
Ratcliffe, CEO of P&O Princess Cruises International has informed Carnival Corporation that he will retire next March 6.
Dingle has been promoted to CEO of Carnival UK with responsibility for the company’s UK brands – P&O Cruises, Ocean Village and Cunard Line. He is also appointed chairman of the Carnival management committee with responsibility for P&O Cruises Australia.
Princess Cruises president Alan Buckelew has been promoted to president and CEO of Princess Cruises.
The promotions of Dingle and Buckelew are effective today, although Ratcliffe will stay on to assist and advise through the March 2008 transition period, Carnival said.
Ratcliffe said: “It has always been a goal of mine to retire at age 60 and in this case, the effective date is actually my 60th birthday.
“I’ve had a tremendously rewarding career in this industry and know that I leave the future of my cherished brands in the most capable hands of David and Alan.”
Carnival Corporation chairman and CEO Micky Arison said: “Peter has only been a part of our organization since the merger of our companies in the spring of 2003 but I can’t say enough about all he has done to contribute to our post-merger success.”
He added: “We have a deep and talented management pool in our global businesses and are fortunate that these two highly qualified individuals are on our roster and can step up and take over the responsibility for these companies.
“Like many people in our organization, these two gentlemen have had long and successful careers in the cruise business and together, bring some 60 years of cruise industry experience.
“David has literally grown up at P&O having put in 30 years working his way through the ranks. And Alan shares an equally long tenure in the business, starting his cruise career at Sitmar which was later acquired by Princess.”
by Phil Davies
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled