A major shake-up of the senior management team at the Southampton headquarters of the cruising empire, Carnival UK is now underway.
As a result two of the best known names in the cruising industry, Carol Marlow, managing director of P&O Cruises, together with Cunard president, Peter Shanks, will be leaving the company later this year in September.
As a result of these changes David Dingle, the present chief executive officer of Carnival UK, formally assumes the titles of chief executive of both Cunard and P&O Cruises.
A spokesman for Carnival said recruiting replacements for Ms Marlow and Mr Shanks, who will lead a “new commercial leadership structure”, was now at an advanced stage.
The announcement was made by Gerard Tempest, as he marked six months into his role as chief commercial officer at Carnival.
“This is an exciting time for our brands and this new structure has been designed to deliver the many opportunities ahead of us,” said Mr Tempest.
“As a consequence, and after very careful consideration, the roles of P&O Cruises managing director and Cunard president and managing director will cease to exist and as a result Carol Marlow and Peter Shanks will both be leaving the business at the end of September.
“On behalf of everyone at P&O Cruises and Cunard, I would like to thank both Carol and Peter for their very significant contributions to the success of the business over many years and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
Carol Marlow joined the business in 1997 and over her 16 years with the organisation has successfully led a number of brands including Swan Hellenic, Princess Cruises UK, Cunard and P&O Cruises.
Ms Marlow has directed the launch of five new ships, and has driven the growth and development of the brands as well as becoming a well known figure with passengers.
Mr Shanks joined in 2002 and has held pivotal leadership roles within Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises UK.
Instrumental in the growth and transformation of the Cunard business into the success it enjoys today, Mr Shanks has overseen the launch of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, all based in Southampton.
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