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Dean Brown, Larry Calkins among senior figures retiring from Princess/HAL

Dean Brown, Larry Calkins among senior figures retiring from Princess/HAL
About a dozen executives, including some in highly visible senior management roles, are retiring or leaving Princess Cruises and Holland America Line at the end of the fiscal year.

The most senior is Dean Brown, evp corporate services at Princess Cruises, who has led a wide variety of areas at the cruise line and at the former Princess Tours over 35 years. He has overseen fleet operations, was chief executive of Princess Tours, led customer service and sales as evp, and has been instrumental in industry matters, including chairing the North West CruiseShip Association (now CLIA North West and Canada). Brown began his career at Princess Tours in 1979.

Peter Tobler, vp food & beverage operations, is another prominent figure who is leaving.

Both are 'long-time executives who have contributed so much to Princess. We will miss them a lot,' a Princess spokeswoman said.

At Holland America Line, the most senior executives who are retiring include Larry Calkins, svp finance and IT; Brendan Vierra, vp human resources; and Cees Deelstra, vp nautical operations. Brent Davidson, vp IT, is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Further key people retiring are Belinda Jacobs, director HR; Keith Johnson, treasurer; Steve Kirsch, director culinary operations; Jim McShane, senior director accounting; and Gerry Topping, director HR.

'These individuals leave enduring legacies—and big shoes to fill —and there is no doubt that their passion and dedication will be missed,' a HAL spokesman said.