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New president appointed at HAL in Carnival Corp reshuffle

Carnival Corporation has restructured the leadership teams of Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line as it looks to prepare its brands for the “eventual resumption of cruising”.

Gus Antorcha, currently chief operations officer at Carnival Cruise Line, has been named president of Holland America Line effective immediately. He will report to Stein Kruse, group CEO of Holland America Group and Carnival UK.

Neil Palomba, currently president of Costa Cruises, is replacing Antorcha and will take up the role of executive vice president and chief operations officer for Carnival Cruise Line. He takes up his new role with immediate effect and will report into the brand’s president Christine Duffy.

Arnold Donald, chief executive of Carnival Corporation, said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to continue enhancing our global operations, these moves clearly demonstrate the depth and strength of our leadership team.

“We are using this pause in guest operations to evaluate every aspect of our business, including our leadership structures, and make changes where appropriate to improve our business.

“Gus and Neil are both proven and strategic leaders within our organisation, and we are looking forward to their contributions and success in these new roles as we position our company and our brands for a bright future.”

Holland America Group chief executive Stein Kruse added: “We are fortunate to welcome Gus to the Holland America Line team for a new chapter at our brand.

“His impressive qualifications, boundless energy and passion for the cruise industry will serve us well as we prepare to resume our global operations in the next several months.

“These are unprecedented times, and his wisdom and competent judgement will ensure Holland America Line’s long-term success.

“I’ve worked with him often during his time at Carnival Cruise Line and know that he brings extensive experience in many disciplines within the cruise and travel business.

“Gus always demonstrates strategic vision, fiscal awareness and superior leadership with a keen ability to keep his eye on the end result to ensure success.”

Antorcha added: “When you think of longevity and success among global cruise lines today, Holland America Line is arguably among the top, with a proud history of nearly 150 years.

“On each ship, the guest experience attracts cruisers back again and again with the best live music at sea, a culinary program that rivals the best land-based restaurants, and engaging talks and activities that seek to deepen each guest’s appreciation of the places they visit.

“I am eager to begin working toward our future with the dedicated and talented people that have been important in establishing the brand’s reputation as the go-to cruise line for cultural immersion.

“Likewise, I look forward to collaborating with our travel advisor community to continue supporting them and helping them build their Holland America Line business.”

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