With the pending purchase of two upscale cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. appointed a chain restaurant executive as the new president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Drew Madsen, the former president and COO at Darden Restaurants Inc., joined Norwegian on Oct. 13. Orlando-based Darden owns and operates more than 1,500 restaurants that generate about $6.3 billion in annual sales. Its brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Yard House and others. Prior to Darden, Drew held leadership and marketing positions at James River Corp. and General Mills, among others.
"We are at an exciting point in our company's history," said Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of the parent company. "With the upcoming acquisition of Prestige Cruises International Inc., it is the opportune time to add such a talented individual to our already diversified leadership team to focus on the core day-to-day business. I am confident in Drew as a results-oriented, highly collaborative and thoughtful leader who will continue to propel Norwegian on our positive growth trajectory."
The appointment comes as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is buying Prestige, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for $3.025 billion. The deal, announced on Sept. 2, is expected to close in the fourth quarter.
While Madsen was at Darden, sales increased from $4.8 billion to $8.6 billion as the company was recognized as one of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For."
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