President of premium cruise line will depart at the end of
May
SEATTLE, May 12, 2020 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line
President Orlando Ashford announced
that he will be leaving the company at the end of May. Ashford, who
heads the premium cruise line within the Carnival Corporation
family of brands, has been at the company for nearly five and half
years and led a rejuvenation of the brand through an emphasis on
enhanced onboard entertainment, live music and culinary
experiences.
Since November 2014, Ashford has
served as president of Holland America Line, leading the
award-winning cruise line's brand and business, including its fleet
of 14 premium vessels which carry more than 900,000
guests annually to all seven continents. He oversaw Holland
America Line's sales and marketing, revenue management, deployment
and itinerary planning, public relations, hotel operations and
strategy. Recently he has guided the company through an
unprecedented pause in global cruise operations that have been
extended through the line's planned 2020 Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England sailing seasons.
"Orlando has made a substantial contribution to Holland America
Line during his tenure, bringing a renewed energy to the premium
cruise line that was recognized with many awards and accolades,"
said Stein Kruse, Group CEO of
Holland America Group and Carnival UK. "His unique background as an
innovator and global leader in human resources was highly respected
in our organization and his dynamism will be greatly missed."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead the evolution of
the Holland America Line brand for more than five years," said
Ashford. "I can't say enough about the talent and teamwork both
shoreside and on board the ships that has driven our many successes
over the years.
"Today, a global pandemic has impacted our industry in ways that
are completely unprecedented," added Ashford. "However, I believe
it is human nature to travel and explore new places and cultures
and meet new people. I have no doubt that Holland America Line will
thrive again soon, and its guests will be ready when cruise
operations resume. I look forward to being one of the first to
sail."
Prior to joining Holland America Line, Ashford was
president of the Talent Business Segment for Mercer, the global
consulting leader in talent, health, retirement and
investments. Previous to Mercer he served as senior
vice president, chief human resources and communications officer of
Mercer's parent company, Marsh & McLennan
Companies. Ashford also has held several other leadership
roles earlier in his career with organizations such as Coca-Cola,
Motorola, Ameritech and Andersen Consulting.
Ashford serves on the board of directors of ITT, Inc., Hershey
Entertainment & Resorts Company, Positive Coaching Alliance,
Virginia Mason Medical Center and Year Up, a year-long intensive
training program for underserved young adults.
Ashford is often recognized for his leadership. For example,
Ashford was selected by Seattle Business Magazine for the 2019
Executive Excellence Award, honoring the best-of-the-best leaders
in Washington state business and
community.
Ashford's book, "Talentism," examines how technology
and human networks can help bridge the skills gap, improve business
performance and lead to the betterment of society at large. He
has a second book currently in development.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland
America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home
page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival
Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland
America Line has been exploring all
corners of the globe since 1873 and was the first cruise line to
offer adventures to Alaska and the
Yukon more than 70 years ago. Its
fleet of premium ships visits more than 470 ports in 98 countries,
territories or dependencies around the world. A third
Pinnacle-class ship, Ryndam, is under construction at the
Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
The company's brand evolution in recent years secured its
position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships
feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching
experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized
travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at venues
including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling
Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. The dining experience can be
savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature
selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council,
comprising world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for
guests.
CONTACT:
|
Sally
Andrews
|
PHONE:
|
800-637-5029,
206-626-9890
|
EMAIL:
|
pr@hollandamerica.com
|
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SOURCE Holland America Line