Carnival Asia veteran joins NCLH and Binder, Sommer take new roles

Bill Harber, who until recently was vp market development for Carnival Asia based in Singapore the past two years, has become NCLH's svp and managing director, Asia.

Binder, who was president of international operations for NCLH since early February, has reverted to his prior role as vice chairman, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

EVP Sommer, who has been chief integration officer for NCLH, will become evp international business development, effective June 15.

During last week's earnings call, NCLH chairman and ceo Frank Del Rio said Sommer would be wrapping up his integration role and going to work in a new area which includes overseeing the evaluation of China's market potential. Del Rio also said the company had hired someone who helped open Asia for a competitor and would be reporting to Sommer.

Harber announced his new job on LinkedIn. Before his Asia assignment for Carnival, he had been vp and senior director of corporate marketing at Carnival headquarters in Miami. He had joined Carnival to direct global IT initiatives in 2004.

In a statement to Seatrade Insider, NCLH said Binder will continue building the Oceania and Regent brands, enhance the sales distribution channels and lend his marketing expertise to Jason Montague's team. Montague is president and chief operating officer for the two Prestige Cruises brands.

The statement said Sommer will have responsibilities for sales, marketing, public relations and passenger services for all three NCLH brands outside the US and Canada.