Paul Ludlow has been appointed the new president of Carnival UK.

Mr Ludlow will assume all commercial and operational responsibility for the Southampton-based cruise giant which includes P&O Cruises and Cunard globally.

The new president for Cunard, Katie McAlister, who joins the company in August, will report to Mr Ludlow.

The leadership change will also see Sture Myrmell leaving the business after a long career with the company.

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Mr Ludlow - who starts the role on June 1 - said: “There has never been a more auspicious time for our two brands.

"P&O Cruises continues to deliver outstanding success and is clearly at the forefront of contemporary, mainstream holidays.

“Aligned with global talent including Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as credible, authentic partnerships such as the recent BAFTA Television Awards sponsorship, the future of the brand could not be brighter.

“Next year will be a momentous one for Cunard with the arrival of our new ship and our fourth Queen, Queen Anne, which will once again shine the spotlight on this exceptional brand with its rich legacy.

“I am confident that the arrival of Katie McAlister to lead the Cunard team will build on the demand for Cunard voyages in the UK and across the world.”

He added: “I would also like to thank Sture for 30 years of dedicated service. From his start in our company as an officer aboard Cunard, to becoming President, P&O Cruises – Australia, to coming full circle and ultimately leading Carnival UK including the venerable Cunard brand, Sture’s dedication and contributions to our company have been significant. We wish him well.”

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Commenting on the changes, Carnival Corporation & plc president, CEO and chief climate officer Josh Weinstein said: “Paul is a 21-year veteran of the company with far-reaching experience across every commercial department and multiple brands in our portfolio of world-class cruise lines.

“That deep expertise, coupled with Paul’s proven leadership and track record of outstanding results, make him the clear choice to support our entire UK organization and to drive our return to strong profitability.”