NCL names Andy Stuart’s successor

Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Andy Stuart is to be succeeded by Harry Sommer.

Sommer is currently president international for the parent company, NCLH.

Stuart (above left) will step down, as planned, on December 31 following the launch of Norwegian Encore.
However, he will remain as senior adviser until March 31 ‘to ensure a smooth transition’, said the cruise line.

Stuart joined Norwegian in 1988 and has been a steady presence through many management changes.

He’s held several key executive positions during his tenure of more than three decades, including president and COO, EVP of global sales and passenger services, EVP and chief product officer and EVP marketing, sales and passenger services.

Stuart has been instrumental in many of the line’s key achievements including the introduction of its revolutionary Freestyle Cruising, offering flexible dining and a more casual experience.

"I could only have dreamed about my journey at Norwegian when I joined the company in 1988 and am extremely fortunate to have witnessed first-hand the incredible evolution of this pioneering brand," he said."’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."

Having worked closely with Sommer, Stuart added: "I am confident he is the right person to take the helm and continue the journey for Norwegian Cruise Line."

Presdient and CEO of NCLH, Frank Del Rio, said: "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.

"We are extremely grateful for his leadership and contributions to Norwegian Cruise Line, our company and the cruise industry."

Sommer is currently responsible for sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in all markets outside of the US and Canada.

He previously served as EVP international business development and EVP and chief integration officer for NCLH and held various executive positions for Prestige Cruise Holdings including chief marketing officer, SVP finance and chief information officer and chief accounting officer.

Before joining the company, Sommer ran a travel agency and, earlier, he worked for eight years at Renaissance Cruises in various marketing and finance roles.