Ludlow to take over P&O

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises’ managing director in the UK and Europe, is to take charge of P&O Cruises as part of a major restructure of Carnival UK.

Gerard Tempest, Carnival UK’s chief commercial officer, announced his own departure last week.

Ludlow will become senior vice president of sales and marketing for P&O Cruises, while also offering support for Cunard.

The luxury transatlantic brand is now looking for its own senior vice president.

Christopher Edgington, P&O’s marketing director, will report into Ludlow. Angus Struthers, his Cunard equivalent, will report into the senior vice president of Cunard when one is recruited.

David Noyes, Carnival UK CEO, said: “Chris Truscott leaves this business in a significantly better position than the one he joined. He should be proud of what he has achieved and the relationships he has built. I wish him every success for the future.

“We have two leading brands and we need to differentiate between them. By bringing sales and marketing together we will bring a greater focus to each of our great brands.”

Commenting on the appointment of Ludlow, Noyes added: “I am delighted to appoint Paul to this critical role. Paul’s 15 years of experience within our company makes him an ideal fit to lead the sales and marketing teams for P&O Cruises to ensure sustained growth of the brand.”

Paul Ludlow said: “Following the launch of Britannia in March, which positioned P&O Cruises at the forefront of the nation’s mind, there has never been a more exciting time for the company. The potential for the industry as a whole is vast and I am determined, through giving a seamless, exemplary guest experience, working closely with our travel agent partners, to develop this growth to the maximum for P&O Cruises.”

Princess Cruises is recruiting a replacement for Ludlow.