Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings appoints Meghan Montana as CFO
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced the appointment of Meghan Montana as Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 January 2027, succeeding Mark A. Kempa after more than 25 years with the company.
Kempa will step down from his current position but remain with NCLH in an advisory capacity through June 2027 to support the leadership transition. Montana currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, a position she assumed when she joined the cruise group in January 2026.
The appointment comes as NCLH continues implementing its turnaround strategy, with Montana already involved in the company’s transformation programme, strategic planning and global outsourcing initiatives.
John W. Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, acknowledged Kempa’s contribution to the company since joining in 1999. During his tenure, Kempa played a role in the group’s initial public offering, the acquisition of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and financial management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More recently, Kempa has overseen cost-saving initiatives covering shipboard and shoreside operations.
Montana brings financial and aviation industry experience
Montana has nearly two decades of experience in corporate finance, investment banking and strategic planning. Before joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, she served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development at American Airlines, overseeing financial planning and analysis, divisional finance and corporate development.
She previously held the position of Treasurer at American Airlines, where her responsibilities included global banking, fleet transactions, asset management and insurance. Her tenure included managing financial and liquidity challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery period.
Earlier in her career, Montana held senior banking positions at Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland. She holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami University.
Commenting on the appointment, Chidsey highlighted Montana’s experience in financial management and her involvement in developing and implementing the company’s turnaround strategy.
Montana said her priorities as incoming CFO would include disciplined capital allocation, strengthening the company’s financial position and supporting improvements in operational and financial performance.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three cruise brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. According to the company’s announcement, its combined fleet comprises 33 ships and approximately 72,000 berths, excluding two vessels under long-term charter to third parties.
