The US-listed cruise shipping group Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which operates 34 ships and has an order book of 14 newbuilds, is getting a new president and CEO – with experiences in the fast food industry.
John W. Chidsey, previously a member of NCLH’s Board of Directors, has been appointed President and CEO with immediate effect, it was confirmed. Chidsey succeeds Harry Sommer, who is stepping down from his positions.
NCL comprises the brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, making it one of the leading players in the cruise industry. The Meyer shipyard in Papenburg has also benefited from the US group’s fleet expansions and has built cruise ships for NCL.
Chidsey was most recently CEO of Subway Restaurants for five years. There he led the repositioning of the brand, the modernization of operations and the strengthening of the company’s long-term growth course for several years. Prior to that, he was CEO of Burger King Holdings, Inc. He has “many years of experience in the strategic and operational transformation of large, global, customer-facing companies” and has “expertise in franchise operating models as well as in profit-oriented, capital-intensive companies”, NCL explained the selection. Chidsey has been on the Board of Directors of NCLH since February 2025. No details were given on the reasons for the resignation of predecessor Sommer.
“During his time on the Board of Directors of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, John has proven to be a highly respected leader and strategic voice. He is the ideal person to lead the company into the next phase of execution and performance improvement,” said Stella David, Chairman of the Board. “John has demonstrated his ability to lead organizations through profound change, always with an eye toward operational rigor and accountability. We are very pleased to have John assume the role of President and CEO and are confident that his leadership will improve execution, strengthen financial performance, reduce debt and enhance long-term shareholder value. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Harry for his many years of dedication and commitment to the company.”
