Responsible for markets outside US and Canada
In this newly created role, he is responsible for sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in all markets outside the United States and Canada.
He will continue to report to NCLH president and CEO Frank Del Rio.
'As our company continues to grow, we look towards emerging and international markets to further expand our global footprint across our portfolio of award-winning brands,' Del Rio said. 'With Harry at the helm, I am confident we will continue to profitably diversify our business globally and offer guests best-in-class vacation experiences around the world.'
A 25-year cruise industry veteran, Sommer joined NCLH in 2000 and rejoined in 2008, serving in various executive capacities including, most recently, EVP international business development since June 2015. He has championed the growth of the company’s international division, increasing NCLH's presence worldwide and opening 13 offices globally including, most recently, Auckland, New Zealand, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
'Best Guest' strategy
Sommer was also instrumental in developing the company’s 'Best Guest' strategy, which sources the highest yielding customers regardless of geographic location. The initiative has increased the profitability of international guests, driving higher revenue and returns.
'This is a thrilling time for our company and industry, and I am honored to be part of the leadership team that is expanding our brands worldwide,' Sommer said. 'Our strong newbuild growth profile will enable us to reach even more guests around the globe and our veteran management team will play a key role in driving our core expansion strategy by growing our international business across continents.'
In early 2015, Sommer served as EVP and chief integration officer. From 2013-2014, he was chief marketing officer for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and prior to that also held a variety of C-suite positions in accounting, finance and revenue management.
Before joining the company, Sommer worked eight years at Renaissance Cruises in various marketing and finance roles.
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