Carnival UK (P&O Cruises and Cunard) yesterday announced a company‑wide restructure aimed at further strengthening operational excellence by leveraging the scale of the combined brands and leaning on the talent of the people while continuing to expand business‑enabling technology across the organisation.
The changes will establish new cross-company teams for even faster decision‑making, deeper collaboration and clearer accountability. The teams will work across brands and functions to continue delivering award-winning guest experiences reflecting the distinct heritage and identities of the iconic P&O Cruises and Cunard lines. This evolution reflects how work is shifting and positions the company to compete with an operating model optimized for speed, flexibility and rising guest expectations.
Alongside these changes, Carnival UK will reshape roles, responsibilities and team structures across the company, creating opportunities for employees to broaden their experience, contribute in new ways and advance their careers as the business evolves and grows. A formal consultation process will commence, inviting input and engagement from staff to help determine new roles and responsibilities.
Paul Ludlow will take on the presidency of Cunard in addition to his current role of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president. 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 both Cunard and P&O Cruises, continuing to report directly into Paul Ludlow. Katie will be responsible for digital commerce, guest contact centre, UK and international sales channels and travel agent partners. Elizabeth Fettes will continue to report into Katie McAlliter and will be the Cunard lead in North America,
– 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 in his role as 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.
Carnival UK, P&O Cruises & Cunard president Paul Ludlow said: “These are proactive changes aligning with our future vision and setting us up for operational excellence and resilience. 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.”
The remaining executive leadership team members continue in their current roles, including:
– Steve Capper, chief digital & information officer, leading technology, digital and AI agenda.
– Helen Adams, chief financial officer, managing performance and investment.
– Jo Phillips, chief people officer, accountable for organisational design and culture.
– Donnacha O'Driscoll, executive vice president of maritime & sustainability which includes ship operations.
Ludlow continued: “At the heart of this is the guest. A shared lens across our two cruise lines helps us zero in on what truly sets each one apart and bring that to life in more meaningful, tailored guest experiences, while making team collaboration, execution and innovation easier behind the scenes. 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.”
