Carnival UK announces company-wide restructure

Carnival UK has announced a company-wide restructure with a formal consultation process launched to “help determine new roles and responsibilities”.

The parent company of P&O Cruises and Cunard said the restructure was aimed at “leveraging the scale of the combined brands” while “continuing to expand business‑enabling technology across the organisation”.

It declined to comment when asked if any roles would be at risk.

Changes as a result of the restructure will include the creation of cross-company teams which will work across the two brands.

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There are also changes in senior leadership, with current Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow taking on the additional role of president of Cunard, and current Cunard president Katie McAlister taking on the newly-created role of chief commerce officer for Carnival UK.

In her new role, McAlister will continue to report into Ludlow and will be responsible for digital commerce, the guest contact centre, UK and international sales channels and travel agent partners.

Stuart Allison remains chief commercial officer and Chris Lees remains in his role as chief experience officer, with responsibility for both brands.

Carnival UK said in a statement that the creation of the new dual-brand teams “reflects how work is shifting and positions the company to compete with an operating model optimised for speed, flexibility and rising guest expectations”.

It added: “Alongside these changes, Carnival UK will reshape roles, responsibilities and team structures across the company, creating opportunities for employees to broaden their experience, contribute in new ways and advance their careers as the business evolves and grows.

“A formal consultation process will commence, inviting input and engagement from staff to help determine new roles and responsibilities."

Ludlow said: “These are proactive changes aligning with our future vision and setting us up for operational excellence and resilience.

“A shared view across P&O Cruises and Cunard helps us sharpen our focus on amplifying what makes each cruise line exceptional, further boosting our competitive strength.

“Backing that with a more agile organisation and stronger capabilities, we will be well-placed to capitalise on emerging opportunities and fully unlock the talent within our business.”

He added: “At the heart of this is the guest. A shared lens across our two cruise lines helps us zero in on what truly sets each one apart and bring that to life in more meaningful, tailored guest experiences, while making team collaboration, execution and innovation easier behind the scenes.

“Guests and our travel agent partners can expect the same high standards, while benefitting from the improvements brought about by our strategic emphasis on people and technology.

“This strategy reflects our continued commitment to long-term success, growth and shareholder value.”

Remaining executive leadership team members continuing in their current roles include Steve Capper, chief digital & information officer, Helen Adams, chief financial officer, Jo Phillips, chief people officer, and Donnacha O’Driscoll, executive vice-president of maritime & sustainability.