Norwegian Cruise Line names new CFO

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced a planned chief financial officer transition, appointing Chief Strategy Officer Meghan Montana as CFO effective January 1, 2027. She will succeed Mark A. Kempa, who is stepping down from the role after more than 25 years with the company. Kempa will remain with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in an advisory capacity through June 2027 to support a smooth transition between the two finance leaders.

The move marks a scheduled handover rather than an immediate change, giving the company a defined timeline to shift financial leadership. The transition aligns with an ongoing focus on cost savings and performance improvement across shipboard and shoreside operations that Kempa has recently led.

Montana brings nearly two decades of experience in corporate finance, investment banking and strategic planning. She joined Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in January 2026 as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. In that role, she has overseen the company’s transformation office, turnaround strategy and global outsourcing initiatives, giving her direct involvement in shaping and executing the current strategic agenda.

Before joining Norwegian, Montana served as senior vice president of finance and corporate development at American Airlines (AAL), where she was responsible for financial planning and analysis, divisional finance and corporate development. Earlier in her career, she held senior banking roles at Standard Chartered (STAN.L), Deutsche (DBKd) Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland (NWG.L). She has described her focus in the new role as supporting disciplined execution and capital allocation, strengthening the company’s financial position and helping translate strategic priorities into sustainable performance improvements.

Kempa has been described by company leadership as a stalwart figure at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings since 1999. He played key roles in guiding the business through its initial public offering and the acquisitions of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. His financial leadership was also credited with helping ensure the company’s survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently, Kempa has led significant cost savings initiatives across shipboard and shoreside operations. As he transitions from the CFO position, he has stated that Norwegian now has a sound strategy, strong assets and powerful brands that provide a strong foundation for the future. He expressed confidence in Montana and the broader team, and emphasized his intention to support the handover during his advisory period through June 2027.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with a combined fleet of 33 ships and approximately 72,000 berths, excluding two ships under long-term charter to third parties. The company offers itineraries to nearly 700 destinations worldwide, reflecting a broad global footprint that requires substantial capital planning and balance sheet management.

Looking ahead, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects to add 16 additional ships across its three brands through 2037, which will add approximately 43,000 berths to its fleet. Company leadership has highlighted Montana’s expertise in complex, capital‑intensive industries as an asset for this expansion phase, citing goals that include improving performance, strengthening the balance sheet and delivering long‑term shareholder value as the finance function transitions to new leadership.