New boss takes helm of NCLH as Harry Sommer steps down

The boss of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has stepped down abruptly to be replaced by the former head of American fast food chains.

 

Harry Sommer, who has led the third largest US cruise conglomerate for less than three years, is being succeeded by John Chidsey (pictured), who previously led Subway and Burger King.

 

NCLH, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises with a combined fleet of 34 ships and more than 71,000 berths, gave no explanation for Sommer’s departure.

 

A statement said the board of directors “has appointed John W Chidsey, a director of NCLH, as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.

 

“Mr Chidsey succeeds Harry Sommer, who is stepping down as president and chief executive officer and as a director of NCLH.”

 

Chidsey, who rejoined the company almost exactly a year ago as an independent director, was described as having “a proven track record of leading large global consumer-facing companies through strategic and operational transformation, with experience across franchised operating models, as well as yield-driven, asset-intensive businesses”.

 

He first served on the board from 2013 to 2022 and was chief executive of Subway Restaurants for five years, leading the company until his retirement in late 2024. 

 

Prior to that, Chidsey was chief executive of Burger King Holdings, following a time as the company’s president and chief financial officer. 

 

Before joining Burger King, Chidsey held leadership positions at Cendant Corporation, where he oversaw brands such as Avis and Budget Rent A Car.  

 

NCLH noted: “Across his career, he has been entrusted with leading companies at pivotal moments, strengthening execution, restoring operational discipline, and positioning organisations for improved performance.”

 

Sommer previously ran NCL and had been with the organisation in various guises for more than 30 years.

 

He became president and chief executive of NCL in 2020 and was elevated to the parent company as the successor to former chief executive Frank Del Rio in 2023.

 

His departure follows the sudden exit of David Herrera as NCL president and chief executive in August to be replaced by Marc Kazlauskas, most recently chief executive of US homeworking agency Avoya Travel.

 

NCLH chair Stella David described Chidsey as a “highly respected leader and strategic voice” during his time on the board.

 

She added: “He is the right person to lead the company through its next phase of execution and performance improvement.

 

“John has demonstrated his ability to lead businesses through meaningful transformation with a focus on operational rigour and accountability.

 

“We are excited for John to assume the role of president and chief executive officer and are confident his leadership will enhance execution, strengthen financial performance, reduce leverage and drive long-term shareholder value.

 

“On behalf of the board, I thank Harry for his many years of dedication and service to the company.”

 

Chidsey said: "I look forward to building upon the solid foundation already in place, laid out by the company’s award-winning brands, dedicated team and crew members and loyal guests. 

 

“In my new position, my priority will be to partner with the board and management team to sharpen execution, improve performance, and continue providing exceptional vacation experiences while delivering durable, long-term value creation.”

 

Fourth quarter and 2025 full year results are due to be released on March 2.

 

“The company expects its fourth quarter 2025 net yield to be around the midpoint of the previously disclosed range and expects its core quarterly and full year 2025 results to be in line with its previously issued guidance on November 4, 2025,” NCLH said.