David J Herrera is appointed President of Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a leading player in the global cruise travel, has announced the appointment of David J Herrera as the company’s new President with effect from April 1, while Harry J Sommer is set to come in as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, with effect from July 1.
In a press statement, NCL states that in his new role as president, Herrera will be in charge of the company’s overall strategic vision and business plan execution. He will also have expanded responsibility for revenue management, guest services, brand finance, international sales, and the recently established Experiences at Sea division, which organises unique, immersive events at sea for a variety of ardent affinity communities.
“I am honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the passionate and incredible team at NCL, as well as to continue to work alongside Harry and our stellar leadership group to build on our strong momentum. It is going to be another milestone year for us as we continue the Prima Class rollout, and I am looking forward to leading our team and guests along this exciting journey,” says David Herrera, Incoming President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
The statement says that Herrera, NCL’s current Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer has been with NCLH since 2015. Throughout his tenure, Herrera has successfully held a variety of senior leadership roles within the organisation, including SVP Brand Finance, Strategy and Consumer Research; SVP Corporate Development for NCLH; and President of NCLH China. As part of the senior leadership team, he has played an integral role in positioning NCL as one of the world’s leading cruise lines.
Harry Sommer
“David and I have worked closely together for almost a decade expanding NCL’s global presence and shaping its future. 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,” says Harry Sommer, Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The statement by NCL says that Herrera has successfully led the sales and marketing teams in his current position. The company achieved its highest booking level ever in November 2022, closing up 2022 with record booking levels for 2023, starting this year in a better booked position than ever before, and breaking another record in January. He co-sponsored the creation of the company’s first-ever Military Appreciation Programme in November 2022, an initiative that recognises US military personnel with a special offer and onboard experiences.
The statement adds that Adam Malone, who currently oversees consumer and integrated marketing, will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer with this new appointment of NCL President. The statement adds that 15-year NCL veteran Michael Tomoleoni, who currently manages the consumer sales division, will now serve as the Chief Consumer Sales Officer. Jason Krimmel will assume the newly created role of Chief International Sales and Marketing Officer, working closely with Herrera to further expand the company’s international footprint.
