UK media business boss Zillah Byng-Thorne is joining the board of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
She has become a new independent director of the US cruise company – owner of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – expanding the board from seven to eight members.
Byng-Thorne is currently chief executive of magazine publisher Future plc, a role she took up in 2014.
The specialist media group confirmed in September that Byng-Thorne had “informally indicated” her intention to step down as chief executive by the end of 2023.
She is also leaving her position as non-executive director of sports betting firm Flutter Entertainment, parent of Paddy Power and Betfair, on January 31, 2023.
Byng-Thorne was previously chief financial officer at Trade Media Group, Fitness First and Thresher Group and is a non-executive director at TrustPilot Group.
NCLH said: “Ms Byng-Thorne brings extensive technology sector experience, spanning online gaming, digital media and e-commerce to the board.
“She has a focus on driving operational excellence and is a proven people manager, identifying and developing talent at the senior level.”
Company president and chief executive Frank Del Rio added: “Zillah’s significant strategy, operations, technology, marketing, and people management expertise will further strengthen the breadth of talent and experience on our board.”
Chairman of other board Russell Galbut said: “Zillah is a highly respected and accomplished executive with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful strategies and I am confident that she will bring a unique perspective to the board.”