Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has named John W. Chidsey as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment effective immediately.
Chidsey returns to a leadership role at the company after having served on its board previously from 2013 to 2022 and rejoining as a director in February 2025. He succeeds Harry Sommer, who is stepping down from his responsibilities as President, Chief Executive Officer and director.
The board highlighted Chidsey's track record in steering consumer-facing companies through strategic change. His most recent position was Chief Executive Officer of Subway Restaurants, where he served for five years and led efforts to reposition the brand and modernize operations. Earlier in his career he was CEO of Burger King Holdings, Inc. after serving as President and Chief Financial Officer there.
Stella David, chairperson of the board, commented on the leadership change, saying: "John has been a highly respected leader and strategic voice. He is the right person to lead the Company through its next phase of execution and performance improvement."
In outlining his immediate priorities, Chidsey said his focus will be "to sharpen execution, improve performance, and continue providing exceptional vacation experiences while delivering durable, long-term value creation."
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three cruise brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Alongside the leadership announcement, the company provided an earnings-related update for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The operator said it expects fourth-quarter 2025 Net Yield to be approximately at the midpoint of the range it previously disclosed. It also stated that its core quarterly and full-year 2025 results are anticipated to align with the guidance the company issued on November 4, 2025.
Investors and market participants will have a formal view of the quarter when the company reports its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Upcoming schedule
- Fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results: Monday, March 2, 2026
- Company guidance: core quarterly and full-year 2025 expected to be in line with November 4, 2025 guidance