Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has appointed Meghan Montana as its next chief financial officer, with the change taking effect on 1 January 2027.
Montana, currently the group's executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, will succeed Mark A. Kempa. Kempa is stepping down as CFO after more than 25 years with Norwegian but will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until June 2027.
The transition affects the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Montana joined Norwegian in January
Montana joined Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in January 2026 and has led its transformation office, turnaround strategy and global outsourcing initiatives.
Her appointment places an executive already closely involved in the company's strategic and operational changes in charge of its finance function. Norwegian said her understanding of the priorities behind the turnaround was an important factor in the decision.
As CFO, Montana is expected to focus on financial planning, capital allocation, balance-sheet management and the translation of NCLH's strategic priorities into sustainable operating improvements.
She said her priorities would include disciplined execution, strengthening the company's financial position and supporting long-term improvements in performance.
Senior financial experience at American Airlines
Before joining Norwegian, Montana was senior vice-president of finance and corporate development at American Airlines. Her responsibilities included financial planning and analysis, divisional finance and corporate development.
She previously served as American Airlines' treasurer, overseeing global banking, fleet transactions, asset management and insurance. That role included helping the airline manage liquidity and balance-sheet pressures during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery.
Earlier in her career, Montana held senior banking positions with 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 in Ohio.
Mark Kempa to support the handover
Kempa joined Norwegian in 1999 and has played a senior role through some of the most significant events in the group's modern history.
Norwegian credited him with helping guide the company through its initial public offering, the acquisition of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the financial crisis created by the pandemic-era shutdown of cruise operations.
More recently, Kempa led cost-saving initiatives covering shipboard and shoreside operations. He will remain as an adviser for approximately six months after Montana takes over, supporting an orderly transfer of responsibilities.
The company described the move as a planned leadership transition. Its announcement did not cite a disagreement, performance issue or external appointment as the reason for Kempa stepping down.
Appointment comes during NCLH turnaround
The CFO change was announced on the same day that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings published its third-quarter financial results and raised its full-year guidance.
NCLH reported quarterly revenue of $2.9 billion and net income of $491 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached $937 million, exceeding the company's guidance by $63 million, while adjusted earnings per share of $1.12 were $0.22 above guidance.
The group now expects adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.55 billion and adjusted earnings per share of around $1.70 for 2026.
However, the results also illustrate the scale of the work facing the incoming CFO. Constant-currency net yield declined during the quarter, while NCLH continues to work on operating efficiency, debt reduction, revenue management and the positioning of its three cruise brands.
The company has announced approximately $100 million of additional annualised savings connected with guest and crew air arrangements and changes to promotional offers, with the measures expected to phase in through 2028.
Fleet investment and disposals
Montana will assume financial responsibility during a substantial period of fleet investment. Norwegian expects to add 16 ships across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises through 2037.
The programme is expected to add approximately 43,000 berths, requiring significant long-term decisions about financing, capital expenditure and the pace at which new capacity enters service.
NCLH has also started reshaping its existing fleet. It completed the sale of Oceania Sirena while arranging to continue operating the ship under charter until spring 2028. The group has additionally agreed to sell Oceania Insignia, with delivery to its buyer expected in September 2027.
These decisions place fleet renewal, asset sales and capital allocation among the central issues Montana will encounter after taking the CFO role.
Why the appointment matters
A cruise group's chief financial officer has responsibilities extending beyond quarterly reporting. The role includes arranging finance for ships, managing debt and liquidity, overseeing currency and fuel exposure, assessing investments in destinations and balancing growth with shareholder returns.
Montana's background combines airline fleet finance, banking and corporate strategy in businesses with high capital requirements. Her work on NCLH's turnaround since January also means she will enter the CFO position with direct knowledge of the company's current cost and performance initiatives.
The six-month advisory period involving Kempa is designed to preserve continuity while responsibility transfers to the new finance leader.
Norwegian's three-brand group
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates Norwegian Cruise Line, premium brand Oceania Cruises and ultra-luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The group has a combined fleet of 33 ships and approximately 72,000 berths, excluding two ships operated under long-term charter arrangements with third parties. Its itineraries cover nearly 700 destinations worldwide.
Montana's appointment applies to the holding company and therefore covers the financial direction of all three brands rather than Norwegian Cruise Line alone.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' next CFO?
Meghan Montana has been appointed as the group's next chief financial officer.
When does Meghan Montana become CFO?
Her appointment takes effect on 1 January 2027.
Who is she replacing?
Montana will succeed Mark A. Kempa, who is stepping down after more than 25 years with Norwegian.
Is Mark Kempa leaving immediately?
No. Kempa will remain with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in an advisory capacity until June 2027 to support the transition.
What is Meghan Montana's current role?
She is NCLH's executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, leading work including the transformation office, turnaround strategy and global outsourcing initiatives.
Where did Montana work before Norwegian?
She held senior finance and corporate-development roles at American Airlines, including serving as treasurer. She previously worked for Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Which cruise lines will she oversee financially?
The role covers Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and its three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The company announced the appointment on 29 October 2026. Financial targets and fleet plans described in this article remain forward-looking and may change.