A newly-created international executive role by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings aims to reinforce the company’s commitment to expanding and diversifying its global sourcing and distribution.
Harry Sommer has been promoted internally to the new position of president, international.
He will be responsible for sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas
Cruises – a combined fleet of 26 ships – in all markets outside the US and Canada.
A 25-year cruise industry veteran, Sommer joined NCLH in 2000 and re-joined in 2008, serving in various management positions, including most recently as executive vice president of international business development, which he assumed in June 2015.
He will continue to report to the company’s president and CEO Frank Del Rio, who said: “As our company continues to grow, we look towards emerging and international markets to further expand our global footprint across our portfolio of award-winning brands.
“With Harry at the helm, I am confident we will continue to profitably diversify our business globally and offer guests best-in-class vacation experiences around the world.”
In his most recent job, championed the growth of the company’s international division, increasing NCLH’s presence worldwide, opening 13 offices globally, including most recently in Auckland and Tel Aviv.
Sommer was also instrumental in the development of the company’s “Best Guest” strategy, which sources the highest yielding guests regardless of geographic location.
The initiative has increased the profitability of international passengers, driving higher revenue and returns.
In early 2015, he served as executive vice president and chief integration officer.
Sommer was chief marketing officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises between 2013-14, and previously held a variety of positions in accounting, finance, and revenue management.
Before joining the company, he worked eight years at Renaissance Cruises in various marketing and finance roles.
Sommer said: “This is a thrilling time for our company and industry, and I am honoured to be part of the leadership team that is expanding our brands worldwide.
“Our strong new-build growth profile will enable us to reach even more guests around the globe and our veteran management team will play a key role in driving our core expansion strategy by growing our international business across continents.”