PortMiami's Juan Kuryla is joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

These changes take effect Jan. 17.

Kuryla will report to Dan Farkas

In his newly created NCLH role, Kuryla will lead the company’s commercial development, construction and private island operations teams, reporting to Dan Farkas, EVP and general counsel.

Kuryla has led PortMiami as CEO and director since 2014, overseeing operations and capital development of the 'cruise capital of the world.'

Strategic leader with a record of success and innovation

'I have had the privilege to work closely with Juan over the years and I am confident that he will be a tremendous asset to the company. Throughout his impressive 30-plus year career with Miami-Dade County, Juan has proven himself to be a strategic leader with a long track record of success and innovation,' NCLH President and CEO Frank Del Rio said.

Farkas cited Kuryla's extensive experience at PortMiami across diverse functions including operations, finance, business development, sustainability and government relations as being 'invaluable in further strengthening all aspects of our port development and construction management functions.'

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called Kuryla an 'outstanding port leader,' adding the county has 'benefited tremendously from his hard work and dedication to growing PortMiami, a vital economic engine that supports more than $43 billion in economic impact and over 330,000 jobs.' She said Kuryla helped navigate the port through the unprecedented challenges of the past two years, growing cargo trade to historic new levels and working with industry partners for cruising's safe return.

Hydi Webb steps up as interim port director

Hydi Webb

Levine Cava also expressed her confidence in Hydi Webb as interim port director. She is a 28-year veteran of Miami-Dade County whose strategic oversight of cruise and cargo business development includes the negotiation of long-term agreements, client relations, marketing and communications, external affairs and operations. 

Webb's work has helped solidify Miami as 'cruise capital of the world' and one of the nation's leading cargo ports, the mayor said. 

Kuryla's Miami-Dade career began in 1987

Kuryla began his Miami-Dade County career in the Parks and Recreation Department in 1987. In 1998 he began working with the port as assistant to the director, overseeing the department’s local, state and federal legislative agenda. From February 2001 through February 2007 Kuryla was assistant port director for intergovernmental affairs and assistant port director for intergovernmental affairs and promotions.

In 2007 he was promoted to assistant port director for maritime services, acting as lead negotiator on all long-term agreements executed with cruise and cargo customers as well as overseeing port operations, facilities management, berthing, property management, customer service, business development, public information and media relations. Kuryla moved up to deputy port director in 2009 and oversaw five assistant directors.