Carnival UK has announced major organizational changes for its brands P&O Cruises and Cunard. 

In addition to executive role changes, this will entail establishing new teams that will work across brands and functions for faster decision‑making, deeper collaboration and clearer accountability, according to a statement. 

A notable change is that Paul Ludlow will become president of Cunard in addition to his current role of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president.   

“These are proactive changes aligning with our future vision and setting us up for operational excellence and resilience,” said Ludlow.  

“A shared view across P&O Cruises and Cunard helps us sharpen our focus on amplifying what makes each cruise line exceptional, further boosting our competitive strength. Backing that with a more agile organization and stronger capabilities, we will be well-placed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and fully unlock the talent within our business.” 

Other changes to the executive leadership team include the following:  

• Katie McAlister will transition into a newly created executive role of chief commerce officer for Carnival UK, supporting Cunard and P&O Cruises, continuing to report directly to Ludlow. She will be responsible for digital commerce, guest contact center, UK and international sales channels and travel agent partners.  

• Elizabeth Fettes will be the Cunard lead in North America, continuing to report to McAllister. 

• Stuart Allison remains chief commercial officer with an expanded remit to set and lead the commercial strategy for both P&O Cruises and Cunard with responsibility for brand, pricing, itineraries, fleet deployment, product strategy, marketing & CRM 

• Chris Lees remains chief experience officer with an expanded remit across both brands leading guest experience, onboard revenue and operations in addition to procurement and supply chain capability and alignment.  

The remaining executive leadership team members will remain in their current roles, including Steve Capper, Helen Adams, Jo Phillips and Donnacha O’Driscoll. 

Additionally, roles, responsibilities and team structures across the company will be reshaped, which Carnival expects will create opportunities for employees to broaden their experience and advance their careers.  

A formal consultation process will be initiated, asking for staff input to help determine these new roles and responsibilities. 

Ludlow noted that a shared lens across the two cruise lines helps identify their individual strengths, while simplifying team collaboration, execution and innovation. 

“Guests and our travel agent partners can expect the same high standards, while benefitting from the improvements brought about by our strategic emphasis on people and technology. This strategy reflects our continued commitment to long-term success, growth and shareholder value,” he added.