Reorg at Carnival UK: Shanks Appointed President of Cunard; Marlow Moves to P&O

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The continued growth of Cunard Line and sister-brand P&O Cruises is cited as reasons for a management restructure at the top levels of Carnival UK. Peter Shanks, who previously served as chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, has been appointed president and managing director of Cunard Line, replacing Carol Marlow, who will move over to P&O as its managing director.

Cunard currently operates two ships, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and will welcome Queen Elizabeth in October 2010. He will direct Cunard offices in Los Angeles, Hamburg and Sydney and report to David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK.

Upon the announcement, Shanks touted the importance of the North American market to Cunard's success. "The North American market in particular is very important to us as we look to have a broad appeal sailing the youngest fleet in the industry and ships deployed year-round suited to North American and international markets," Shanks said.

Meanwhile, Marlow, who has led Cunard for five years, will move to P&O Cruises as its managing director, responsible for the leadership and development of the line both onboard and ashore. In a letter to the media, Marlow acknowledged that Carnival UK asked her to make the move to P&O Cruises, though specifics as to why were not given.

"It has been a pleasure to work with you over the past five years, and I wanted to write to you personally to place on record my thanks for your valued support of our great Cunard brand," Marlow wrote. "I know that Cunard, with its unique positioning and excellent service, will continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Peter Shanks, who is my successor. He is no stranger to Cunard, having worked closely with us over some eight years."

She too reiterated how vital the North American market is to Cunard, pointing to Queen Elizabeth's 2010 arrival and the "subsequent broadening of our deployment to include a winter season for Queen Victoria on the west coast and Hawaii."  

Visit www.cunard.com  and www.pocruises.com.