Peter Shanks has been named president and managing director of Cunard Line as part of a new management structure for Carnival UK, it was announced today. This is in response to the continued growth of both Cunard and sister-brand P&O Cruises. Previously serving as chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, Shanks is now responsible for the global leadership and brand development of Cunard which operates flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. He will oversee the construction of the line’s new ship, Queen Elizabeth to be launched October 2010 and will direct Cunard offices in Los Angeles, Hamburg and Sydney while supported by the commercial and product groups within Carnival UK. He will report to David Dingle, chief executive officer, Carnival UK.

Called upon to lend her brand management expertise to Cunard’s UK sister brand, Carol Marlow becomes managing director of P&O Cruises. She will be responsible for leadership and development of the cruise line onboard and ashore.

“I take great pride in leading the continued development of Cunard Line and building on the tremendous success that Carol Marlow has achieved,” said Peter Shanks. “Our brand is famous around the world and we intend to further develop our international strength when Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in 2010. The North American market in particular is very important to us as we look to have a broad appeal sailing the youngest fleet in the industry and ships deployed year-round suited to North American and international markets,” added Shanks.

Most recently Shanks served as chief commercial officer for Carnival UK with worldwide responsibility for Cunard Line and UK responsibility for Princess Cruises. His extensive experience with Cunard began in 2001 when he joined the company as senior vice president for Europe and later was responsible for the launch of Queen Mary 2 in 2004. Prior to joining Cunard, he worked in the UK Travel Industry as commercial director for Thomas Cook.

“Peter Shanks is highly talented and brings more than eight years of valuable Cunard experience to his new role,” said David Dingle, chief executive officer, Carnival UK. “I put my utmost confidence in Peter to steward excellence for the Cunard brand through the next phase of exciting growth,” added Dingle.