By
Rebecca Gibson |
Holland America Line president Orlando Ashford and Seabourn president Rick Meadows are both set to leave the Carnival Corporation family at the end of May 2020.
Ashford has served as president of Holland America Line since November 2014, overseeing operations for the brand’s 14 ships.
“It has been an honour 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 onboard 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. 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.”
Holland America has credited Ashford with leading the “rejuvenation” of the brand through new and enhanced onboard entertainment, live music and culinary experiences.
“Orlando has made a substantial contribution to Holland America Line during his tenure, bringing a renewed energy to the premium cruise line that was recognised 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 organisation and his dynamism will be greatly missed.”
Meanwhile, Rick Meadows is set to retire after nine years as president of ultra-luxury brand Seabourn and 35 years with Carnival Corporation.
“I’ve had so many amazing opportunities throughout my career, passionately leading a number of global cruise brands as well as working with so many talented team members, travel advisors and other stakeholders around the world,” said Meadows. “It has been a true honour to help craft those lifetime memories and special moments for our guests, through the profound power of travel, which brings people and cultures together. I look forward to the day when we can once again welcome our guests back onboard.”
Meadows has fulfilled various roles at multiple brands during his 35-year career with Carnival Corporation, previously serving as director of sales for Carnival Cruise Line; vice president of corporate marketing at Carnival Corporation; senior vice president of sales and marketing for Seabourn; and vice president of sales and marketing at Windstar Cruises, a former subsidiary of Holland America. He also held duals roles throughout most of his time as president of Seabourn, initially serving as executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programmes for Holland America and then president of Cunard – North America between 2014 and 2016.
“Rick’s contributions to the cruise industry and his leadership in elevating Seabourn to the ultimate ultra-luxury cruise experience – bar none – are legendary,” said Kruse, who , into which Meadows reports. “He will forever be part of our Carnival Corporation story and he has made us all better through his professionalism, authenticity and leadership.”
Holland America and Seabourn have both paused all global cruise operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.