Ann Sherry AO to join Carnival Australia
Date: 28 May 2007
Director and Chief Executive Officer of P&O Princess Cruises International, Mr Peter Ratcliffe, today announced that Ann Sherry AO has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia.
“We are delighted Ann has agreed to join the company. She brings extraordinary skills and experience to Carnival Australia and her appointment demonstrates the significant changes at Carnival and, in particular, in the P&O Cruises business,” Mr Ratcliffe said.
“Carnival is committed to the continuous cultural and operational improvement at P&O Cruises and to growing and developing the cruise market in Australia and the region. Ann’s renowned leadership qualities and her considerable management experience neatly complement our business ambition in this part of the world.”
Ms Sherry has broad leadership experience in business and in the public sector. She has been an executive with Westpac Banking Corporation for the past 13 years and is well known for her work with the Office of the Status of Women with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Her positions at Westpac included Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Melbourne and Chief Executive Officer, Westpac New Zealand. In the latter role, her responsibilities extended beyond New Zealand to the Pacific Islands.
She was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2002 for improving access to banking services to disadvantaged communities and an Order of Australia in 2004 for her contribution to improving corporate governance and corporate management vis-à-vis diversity and work/family practices.
“Ann’s strong human resources, business development and customer-focus background will be invaluable in strengthening a culture of passenger service, safety and security as we provide enjoyable cruising holidays to an increasing number of Australians,” Mr Ratcliffe said.
Ms Sherry said: “This is a wonderful opportunity. The challenge of moving to a new industry and using my experience to grow the business and contribute to the changes already underway at Carnival Australia is certain to be stimulating and exciting.
“The cruise industry is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry and, in Australia, passenger numbers went up by 18 per cent last year to 221,033 passengers. There are significant economic benefits to Australia - passengers and crew on visiting cruise ships injected $185 million into the Australian economy in 2005-2006 and the industry has even more potential.
“P&O Cruises and Carnival plan to more than double its business, including the introduction of the Pacific Dawn, Australia’s first superliner, later this year. The prospect of implementing those plans and being part of Carnival’s growth is a great professional and business challenge.
“I am looking forward to meeting and working with all the key stakeholders in the tourism market, including our staff, passengers, business partners, government and regulators, as I quickly broaden my knowledge of the tourism and cruise industries.”
Chairman of Carnival Australia’s Advisory Council, Ms Katie Lahey, said she was very pleased Ms Sherry had agreed to join the company.
“Ann brings a fresh perspective to the management and operations of Carnival Australia. Her appointment is another strong message that the company is continuing to change its approach,” Ms Lahey said.
Ms Sherry takes up her position in July.
Carnival Australia is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise holiday company, and represents P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Seabourn, Costa and P&O Cruises World Voyages.
