By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed hospitality veteran Drew Madsen as the line’s president and COO.
Madsen, who has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and consumer products industry, most recently served as president and COO at Darden Restaurants, the world’s largest full-service restaurant company. He played an instrumental role in establishing Darden as the most successful multi-brand operator in the full-service restaurant industry, increasing sales from US$4.8 billion to US$8.6 billion.
It is hoped that Madsen will help to improve Norwegian’s operating margins and increase guest satisfaction, market penetration and employee fulfillment.
“Having delivered exceptional results during his tenure at Darden, Drew has a wealth of experience to draw upon as he joins Norwegian,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian. “We are at an exciting point in our company’s history. With the upcoming acquisition of Prestige Cruises International, it is the opportune time to add such a talented individual to our already diversified leadership team to focus on the core day-to-day business. I am confident in Drew as a results-oriented, highly collaborative and thoughtful leader who will continue to propel Norwegian on our positive growth trajectory.”
Prior to Darden, Madsen held leadership and marketing positions at James River Corporation and General Mills, and other companies.
“I am thrilled to be starting the next chapter of my career at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Madsen. “I am looking forward to ensuring that Norwegian excels in every facet of operation and that we continue to produce industry leading financial results, while also bringing new ideas and ways of doing business that improve guest satisfaction and team member involvement.”