MSC Cruises chief operating officer Neil Palomba has left the cruise line after 17 years.
It is understood Palomba will be taking up a role at Costa Cruises in December.
MSC confirmed Palomba left the company last week to “explore new opportunities.”
UK managing director Giles Hawke, who started this month, said: “He will be missed by the company and we wish him well.”
Former Costa Cruises president Gianni Onorato moved to MSC Cruises as chief executive in September.
Costa Cruises refused to comment.