Carnival names new Aussie boss, with Sture Myrmell to lead UK operations

Carnival Corporation has announced two appointments within its global leadership team, naming industry veterans to lead its operations in Australia and the UK.

Effective 18 October, Sture Myrmell, who is currently president of P&O Cruises Australia and president of Carnival Australia, will begin his new role as president of Carnival UK, overseeing the Cunard and P&O Cruises UK cruise line brands.

Myrmell, who will be based in Southampton, England, will also serve temporarily as president of Cunard during the recruitment for that position.

He will report directly to Carnival’s chief operations officer, Josh Weinstein, who also has responsibility for Carnival UK.

“Sture is a two-decade-plus veteran at our company, so we look forward to him bringing his deep experience, excellent leadership skills and proven track record of success to a new leadership opportunity,” said Weinstein.

“He will play a crucial role in our success in the UK, and we look forward to his contributions as we deliver to our guests the best vacation experiences in the world.”

Myrmell replaces Simon Palethorpe, who will be leaving the company at the end of November after six years for a new opportunity.

“Simon has been a true asset for the company these past years, and we wish him the best with this new opportunity,” said Weinstein.

“He successfully revitalised the Cunard brand and then ably stepped into the role of president of Carnival UK for the past 15 months, leading both P&O Cruises and Cunard back into guest operations this summer with the Carnival UK executive team.”

Effective 10 January 2022, Marguerite Fitzgerald will assume Myrmell’s prior dual role as president of P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia.

Most recently, Fitzgerald served as the lead for Boston Consulting Group’s global lodging and leisure practice, as well as its global strategy business.

In her new role, Australian-born Fitzgerald will be based in Sydney and report directly to Holland America Group president Jan Swartz.

“Marguerite is a trusted global authority in the travel and tourism industry, with extensive expertise in the worldwide cruise passenger market, including direct experience working in the Australian and New Zealand region,” said Swartz.

“With the insight she brings from consulting with some of the world’s most well-known travel and tourism companies, including several of our brands, she is uniquely qualified to make a strong contribution to Carnival Australia’s continued success.

“We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”