Carnival nominates a 12th director, Nelda ConnorsCarnival nominates a 12th director, Nelda Connors

In addition, 11 directors are standing for re-election: Micky Arison (chairman), Sir Jonathon Band, Jason Glen Cahilly, Helen Deeble, Jeffrey Gearhart, Katie Lahey, Sara Mathew, Stuart Subotnik, Laura Weil, Josh Weinstein and Randall Weisenburger. 

Founded private equity firm

Connors, 58, has more than 25 years of technical and operating leaderhip experience in diversified industrials. She founded Pine Grove Holdings in 2011, becoming what Forbes called 'one of a few black women to run her own private equity firm.' Pine Grove focuses on middle-market businesses with a high engineering component. Investments include power generation, specialty logistics and transportation and advanced materials.

Connors was president and CEO of Tyco International's electrical and metal products division from 2008 to 2011, taking it public as Atkore International. Other senior roles were with Eaton Corp., an electrical and automotive supplier, and Ford Motor Co.

Director experience

Connors currently serves on the boards of Arconic Corp., Otis Elevator Co., Baker Hughes and Boston Scientific Corp. (where she will not seek re-election at the upcoming shareholders meeting, expected in May).