Robert “Jerry” Montgomery, a longtime hospitality industry veteran, has been named senior vice president of global human resources for Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise vacation group.

In this position, Montgomery is responsible for corporate human resources strategies across Carnival Corporation & plc’s worldwide organization, which includes offices in North American, Europe and Australia. He replaces Wayne Byers, who is retiring after 28 years in the cruise and travel industries. Montgomery reports to Howard Frank, Carnival Corporation & plc’s vice chairman and chief operating officer.

“Carnival Corporation & plc continues to grow with nearly 100 ships and 90,000-plus employees and Jerry’s diverse experience and wide-ranging background will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build upon this important part of our operations,” said Frank.

Prior to joining Carnival, Montgomery spent 30 years at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, holding a number of senior level positions, including vice president of employee relations, casting and health services. Most recently, he served as senior vice president conservation and environmental sustainability where he was responsible for environmental and conservation efforts for the company’s worldwide theme parks, as well as Disney Cruise Line and vacation ownership properties. For the past two years, Montgomery served as president of the Orlando Strategy Group, Inc., a consulting firm focused on the fields of human resources, labor relations, and corporate social responsibility.

Montgomery earned his MBA from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College in Orlando and graduated with a bachelor of arts from Harvard College.

In addition, Montgomery is an active community volunteer. He is currently vice chair of the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District, a trustee for the Florida chapter of The Nature Conservancy and past chair of the United Arts of Central Florida.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and P&O Cruises (Australia).