P&O Cruises Australia has appointed Sture Myrmell as its first full-time president, with Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry to move into a more strategic role.
Currently senior vice president P&O Cruises, Myrmell will assume the new title which includes responsibility for managing the brands operations from January 1.
Those day-to-day operations currently fall within the remit of Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry. Under the changes, Sherry will become Carnival Australia’s executive chairman with “strategic oversight” across the seven cruise lines that operate under Carnival Australia’s regional umbrella.
“I am very proud to hand the day-to-day operations of P&O Cruises to Sture, who has been so integral to the evolution of the brand since joining in 2007,” Sherry said.
“Sture’s appointment is a vote of confidence in P&O Cruises and a demonstration of its overwhelming success as Australia’s major cruise brand and the backbone of the industry in this region.”
Sherry highlighted Sture’s appointment as recognition of the cruise line’s local presence.
“All of Carnival Corporation’s brands around the world have a standalone President, and Sture’s appointment is recognition of the value and power of P&O Cruises in Australia and New Zealand,” she said.
“Importantly, it is also wonderful acknowledgement of Sture’s leadership in transforming P&O Cruises into a product that is like no other in the marketplace and one that truly reflects modern Australia.
“In many ways, Sture’s success is a turning point for the industry because it cements the success of a home-grown brand.”
Myrmell, who has worked in the cruise industry for 22 years, will now report to Holland America Line chief executive Stein Kruse.
He said his appointment was evidence of P&O Cruises Australia’s maturity with it now able to “hold its own” among the global fleet..
“I have enjoyed working alongside Ann over the past eight years and have learnt from the best,” he said.
“Ann is at the forefront of industry advocacy and debate and is passionate about pushing hard to ensure cruising reaches its potential.”
