The bosses of P&O Cruises and Cunard are to report to a new chief commercial officer recruited from budget hotel chain Premier Inn.
In the newly created role, Gerard Tempest will be responsible for all commercial and marketing activities for the two Carnival UK brands.
Tempest, who starts in December, will report to chief executive David Dingle.
He is currently sales and marketing director of Whitbread’s hotels and restaurants division responsible for the Premier Inn brand and other areas within the hospitality group.
P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow, Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks and Carnival UK commercial director Nigel Esdale will report to Tempest in a new structure for the Southampton-based cruise company.
Dingle said: “Gerard brings with him a very impressive track record and has over 20 years’ experience of the hospitality industry in senior commercial and marketing positions, having worked on a number of successful UK and international brands including Marriott and Thistle Hotels.”