Oceania Cruises vice-president and managing director EMEA Bernard Carter has left the line after 18 years.
In a statement released on Monday, Oceania confirmed Carter had left to “focus on his personal goals” as the line entered “a new phase of growth and evolution”.
Carter said he was stepping down “with great pride and not a little sadness”.
During a transition period, UK & Ireland sales director Louise Craddock and her two counterparts in the EMEA region will report to senior vice-president of global sales Nikki Upshaw.
Oceania paid tribute to Carter’s contribution, saying that during his tenure the EMEA team had grown from just him to a pan-European operation with headquarters in Southampton.
Upshaw said: “It is never easy when an esteemed colleague departs for new horizons. I would like to offer my personal gratitude to Bernie for all he has done and achieved during his time with Oceania Cruises.
“He has left an indelible mark on the entirety of the organisation and leaves a team well-positioned to continue building on the foundations he has laid.
“Bernie will be fondly remembered by the Oceania Cruises family, the EMEA travel partner network and many industry friends for his passion, his professionalism and unfettered zeal for the travel industry, specifically the cruise sector which has been his home for more than 30 years.
“We all thank Bernie for his incredible contribution and wish him every happiness and success for the future.”
Carter said: “After 18 hugely rewarding and successful years at Oceania Cruises, which has seen the brand grow significantly, both globally and within the EMEA region, it is with a great deal of pride, and not a little sadness that I am stepping down to allow for the next generation to elevate Oceania Cruises’ standing further still.
“I have been fortunate to work with the best, and I know that Oceania Cruises will reach new heights under the most dynamic leadership team in the industry. I am also thankful for the loyalty and support my team and I have received from our amazing travel partners and media friends – it really has been an amazing ride.”
He added: “On a personal level I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, something that is at the very heart of the Oceania Cruises ethos – and I look forward to catching up with industry friends in due course.”