Carnival Cruise Line today announced that Ben Clement will assume the role of executive vice president, maritime & new builds, effective January 2025, according to a press release.

Clement, a 28-year veteran of the company, currently serves as senior vice president, new builds, refurbishments and product development, and will move into his new expanded role when Lars Ljoen, currently Carnival’s chief operations officer, transitions to Carnival Corporation as the company’s new chief maritime officer.

Clement joined Carnival in 1996 and has played a leadership role in the design, refurbishment and building of all of the line’s 27-ship fleet over the last two decades.  His innovative approach to ship and product design has allowed Carnival to introduce new classes of ships – including the Dream, Vista and Excel classes – as well as innovations such as the first roller coasters at sea.

“Ben has continually pushed us to think about ship design, features, venues and products in ways that have helped redefine Carnival, grow guest loyalty and build a vibrant customer base that has propelled our growth,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Yet he is also an outstanding mariner, with vast knowledge and experience acquired during his time in the French navy, merchant marine, and shipyard management. That unique combination of talent and experience across so many aspects of maritime operations will allow us to maintain our leadership in operational and cultural excellence.”

Clement is a native of France, and prior to joining Carnival, served as a navigation officer in the French navy, an officer on multiple merchant ships, and as a director at a shipyard in Toulon, France.  He holds a diploma of merchant marine officer, was the valedictorian of his class for the French navy officers school and is a graduate of the Stanford University School of Business executive program.

In addition to his new build and refurbishment responsibilities, Clement will lead Carnival’s maritime operations, technical operations and compliance functions.  With five new ships on order – including a completely new class of ship – Carnival will backfill his current role to support the successful delivery of those ships that begin to arrive in 2027.