Carnival UK chief Simon Palethorpe is leaving the organisation to be replaced by current P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia president Sture Myrmell.
Palethorpe will be leaving the company at the end of November after six years for an unspecified “new opportunity”. He became president of Carnival UK in June 2020 in an extension of his role from president of Cunard, which he held since 2016.
Myrmell, who will be based in Southampton from October 18, will also serve temporarily as president of Cunard during the recruitment for that position.
He will report directly to Josh Weinstein, chief operations officer for Carnival Corporation, who also has responsibility for Carnival UK.
Myrmell will lead all performance and operational aspects of Carnival UK, the UK’s largest cruise operator.
As interim president of Cunard, he will also directly oversee Cunard’s operations and its three ships.
The senior management changes at the UK market leading cruise organisation came as the company restarted international sailings with two ships from its Southampton base at the weekend.
Weinstein said: “Sture is a two-decade-plus veteran at our company, so we look forward to him bringing his deep experience, excellent leadership skills and proven track record of success to a new leadership opportunity.
“He will play a crucial role in our success in the UK, and we look forward to his contributions as we deliver to our guests the best holiday experiences in the world and as both brands launch new ships including LNG-powered Arvia for P&O Cruises in December 2022.”
He added: “Simon has been a true asset for the company these past years, and we wish him the best with this new opportunity.
“He successfully revitalised the Cunard brand and then ably stepped into the role of president of Carnival UK for the past 15 months, leading both P&O Cruises and Cunard back into guest operations this summer with the Carnival UK executive team.”
Myrmell said: “I am honoured to join the passionate and dedicated Carnival UK team that delivers extraordinary holiday experiences to our guests every day.
“Carnival UK has been at the forefront of the industry for decades, and I look forward to working with our shipboard and shoreside personnel to continue our leadership role in the industry, while providing great holidays for our P&O Cruises and Cunard guests.”
Myrmell has served in multiple positions across the Princess Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn and P&O Australia brands for more than 20 years with Carnival Corporation.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, most recently serving as the lead for Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) global lodging and leisure practice, as well as its global strategy business, will assume Myrmell’s position serving a dual role as president of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia from January 10.
Fitzgerald will be based in Sydney and report to Jan Swartz, group president, Holland America Group, who also has responsibility for Carnival Australia.