WHY IT RATES: The cruise
industry giant is adding even more experience to itsBoard of Directors.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced the
appointment of José E. Cil to its Board of Directors (the "Board") as
a new independent director, effective October 6, 2023. With Mr. Cil’s
appointment, the Board has expanded from eight to nine members, seven of whom
are independent. Mr. Cil will serve as a member of the Company’s Audit
Committee.
“We are pleased to welcome a highly experienced executive of
José’s caliber to our Board,” said Russell W. Galbut, chairman of the Board.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to regularly evaluating our board to
bring the right mix of skills and expertise to the table to guide Norwegian’s
long-term strategy to unlock growth and drive shareholder value.”
“José has a decades-long track record of successfully
leading premier organizations and I am confident that he will be a strong
addition to our Board,” said Harry J. Sommer, president and chief executive
officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “His collaborative leadership style,
results-oriented mindset and proven ability to transform and grow global
businesses will be a tremendous asset to enhance the collective expertise of
our board. His deep knowledge of the restaurant industry also has significant
parallels to the cruise industry, and we look forward to benefitting from his
wealth of experience as we enhance our strategic vision and position the
Company for long-term success.”
Mr. Cil served as Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant
Brands International Inc. (“RBI”) from January 2019 to March 2023. RBI is a
global enterprise that owns some of the most iconic restaurant brands in the
world, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs. During
his tenure, RBI expanded globally while maintaining a strong focus on financial
results and returning capital to shareholders. In addition to leading RBI
through the pandemic and subsequent recovery, Mr. Cil also led the company’s
digital transformation efforts, development of its sustainability framework,
Restaurant Brands for Good, and execution of its $1 billion acquisition of
Firehouse Subs. He received numerous accolades during his tenure including
being named Restaurant Leader of the Year by Restaurant Business Magazine in
2021 and a 2021 South Florida Ultimate CEO honoree by South Florida Business
Journal.
Prior to being named CEO of RBI, Mr. Cil spent 20 years in
various leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Burger King, including
serving as Global President of Burger King from December 2014 to January 2019
and President of Burger King Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) from
November 2010 to December 2014. Mr. Cil also has experience as a board member
having served on the board of directors for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. from
January 2015 to February 2020 and currently as a director of privately held
Restaurant Brands Iberia.
A leader in the South Florida community, José is also
involved in several organizations that promote the economic development of
Florida, serving as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, as Council Member on
the Florida Council of 100, a Member of the Board of Visit Florida, a Member of
the Executive Board of Advisors of Florida International University’s Chaplin
School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and was recently appointed to
the Board of Advisors of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami.
Mr. Cil is a graduate of Tulane University and started his
career practicing law after earning his Juris Doctor degree from the University
of Pennsylvania Law School.
SOURCE: Norwegian Cruise
Line Holdings press release.
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