Mark Kempa Out as NCLH CFO; Meghan Montana to Take Role

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced that Meghan Montana, currently Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2027.

She succeeds Mark A. Kempa who will be stepping down from his role following more than 25 years of exemplary service to Norwegian.

The company said Kempa will be staying on in an advisory capacity through June 2027 to support a smooth transition.

"Mark has been a stalwart leader for Norwegian since 1999, guiding the business through our IPO and the acquisition of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises," said John W. Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

"His financial leadership was instrumental in ensuring the Company's survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, he led significant cost savings initiatives across our shipboard and shoreside operations. On behalf of the Board and our entire team, I thank him for his dedication, financial stewardship and many contributions to NCLH."

"It has been a privilege to serve as NCLH's CFO and lead our talented finance team," Kempa said. "It is humbling to look back on all we accomplished over the last 25 years. Today, Norwegian has a sound strategy, strong assets and powerful brands that provide a strong foundation for the future. As I step aside and hand over the reins, Meghan and the team have my full confidence. I look forward to watching NCLH build on its strengths, deliver exceptional vacations for our guests and create lasting value for our shareholders."

The company said that Montana brings nearly two decades of experience in corporate finance, investment banking and strategic planning to the Company. She joined NCLH in January 2026 as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing the Company's transformation office, turnaround strategy and global outsourcing initiatives. Before joining NCLH, she served as Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development at American Airlines, with responsibility for financial planning and analysis, divisional finance and corporate development. Previously, as Treasurer of American Airlines, she oversaw global banking, fleet transactions, asset management and insurance, helping navigate the Company's liquidity and balance sheet challenges through the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery. Earlier in her career, she held senior banking roles 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.

"Meghan's extensive financial experience and clear understanding of the priorities driving our turnaround give me great confidence in her ability to step into the role of CFO," Chidsey continued. "Since joining NCLH, she has been closely involved in shaping and executing our strategy, and her expertise in complex, capital-intensive industries will prove invaluable. I look forward to working closely with her to continue to improve performance, strengthen our balance sheet and deliver long-term shareholder value."

"I am honored to take on this role at this important stage of NCLH's turnaround," Montana said. "My focus will be on supporting disciplined execution and capital allocation, strengthening our financial position and helping translate our strategic priorities into sustainable improvements in performance. I'm grateful for John and the Board's confidence in me, and I want to thank Mark for his leadership and the significant contributions he has made to NCLH for more than 25 years. I look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition."