Above: a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Norwegian Cruise Line has named Drew Madsen the company’s new president and chief operating officer.

Madsen was formerly the president and COO at Darden Restaurants, Inc, the world’s largest full-service restaurant company.

“Having delivered exceptional results during his tenure at Darden, Drew has a wealth of experience to draw upon as he joins Norwegian,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. “We are at an exciting point in our company’s history. 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.”

Madsen has also held positions at James River Corporation and General Mills, among other stops.

“I am thrilled to be starting the next chapter of my career at Norwegian Cruise Line,” Madsen said. “I am looking forward to ensuring that Norwegian excels in every facet of operation and that we continue to produce industry leading financial results, while also bringing new ideas and ways of doing business that improve guest satisfaction and team member involvement.”