Our goal is support our people in reaching their full potential, so they have fulfilling careers- employee engagement is a strategic priority for our organisation.

Meet the Executive Leadership team (ELT)

Paul Ludlow – President, P&O Cruises & Carnival UK

Paul Ludlow was appointed Carnival UK president in June 2023 in addition to his leadership role for P&O Cruises.

In his consolidated position, Ludlow has accountability for Carnival UK which includes P&O Cruises and Cunard globally.

With over 20 years experience in the cruise industry, his remit also includes the continued development of P&O Cruises, the UK’s market leading cruise line, for which he has held responsibility since 2018. This includes the two LNG-powered 185,000 tonne Excel class ships – Iona, which joined the fleet in May 2021 and Arvia, launched in December 2022. These ships continue the evolution of the company with contemporary innovations, brand partnerships and guest experiences.

Cunard will expand its fleet with the delivery of Queen Anne in 2024 and which will build on the rich legacy of this exceptional brand.

Previously Princess Cruises managing director, UK & Europe, Paul led commercial operations in the UK and across 16 European offices. He established and developed the UK as Princess’ largest market outside North America and oversaw initiatives to promote growth across the UK and Europe. His personal highlight was the coordination and delivery of Royal Princess in Southampton, named by HRH, The Duchess of Cambridge in June 2013, which generated unprecedented global media interest. 

Prior to his role with Princess, Paul held a number of senior sales and commercial based positions within Carnival UK, encompassing a portfolio of brands including P&O Cruises, Cunard and Ocean Village.

KATIE MCALISTER – PRESIDENT, CUNARD

Katie joined Carnival UK in August 2023 following a 20-year career at TUI. She held roles across most parts of the organisation including overseas delivery, commercial, digital and marketing – most recently, as Chief Marketing Officer. She’s been a member of the UK & Ireland board and lead sales channels and marketing in the UK & Ireland for TUI, First Choice and Marella Cruises, alongside a global responsibility for the TUI brand and digital marketing.

Chris Lees – Executive Vice President, Shared Services

CHRIS LEES – CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER, P&O CRUISES AND EVP GUEST SERVICES, CARNIVAL UK
Chris assumes ownership of ownership of P&O Cruises Guest Experience (led by VP Thomas Karlsson) and P&O Cruises Product (led by VP Tom Keating), as well as retaining the following areas from his existing remit – the Customer Contact Centre (CCO); On Board Revenue (OBR); Insight; New Build & Refit.  

Since joining Carnival UK in September 2009 as Supply Chain Director Chris has served in a number of product, operational and commercial roles and lead a number of significant change programmes; including Supply Chain Transformation and Hotel Operations. In July 2016 Chris was appointed to the ELT as SVP Product and Commercial Services. Prior to joining Carnival UK Chris held senior roles in retail and the pharmaceutical industry; serving as Business Development Director and Supply Chain Director at Catalent Pharmaceuticals and managing supply chain merger activity at Unipart Automotive.

Donnacha O’Driscoll – Executive Vice President, Maritime

DONNACHA O’DRISCOLL – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, MARITIME AND SUSTAINABILITY
He started seagoing career in the late 80s in the offshore industry (North sea) working mainly on exporation vessels focused mainly on the dynamic position technology.  From here spent the early 90s working for general shipping within the merchant navy for a varied number of shipping companies including Dutch shell tankers in Asia and bulk carriers and containers. Prior to joining P&O spent the last years in the oil fields of Brazil returning to dynamic positioning vessels.

Joined the P&O fleet first on Canberra in 1995. In 1999 moved from a seagoing to shore position within the industry as a chosen career path for development. Took the role within P&O Cruises initially as an Electrical Superintendent then moving into Ship Management for the delivery of Aurora at build. In 2003, transferred from Ship Management to Environment Compliance (ECP) at the time of the merger with CUK.

After a period of time in the role moved back into Technical continuing with Ship Management and focused on new build delivery of Arcadia in 2005. In 2007, took up a new role within the organisation as the Fleet Manager with Cunard along with Projects and Dockings and in 2009 became General Manager and then Director for Technical Services. Became Senior Vice President Maritime in 2015 and then Executive Vice President Maritime in 2018, which is the role he holds today.

Jo Phillips – Chief People Officer

JO PHILLIPS – CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Our people are at the heart of delivering unforgettable holiday happiness for our Guests. As Chief People Officer, Jo’s aim is to create an inclusive work environment and employee experience that makes Carnival UK (and our brands) stand out as an employer of choice, so we continue to attract, motivate and keep brilliant people in the business. 

JAMES CHEDGEY – CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

James Chedgey – Chief Financial Officer

James Chedgey has formed a new group, Finance and Business Services, which includes Technology (headed up by Matt Denny) & Procurement & Supply Chain (headed up by Stephanie Cross) alongside his existing Finance & Legal teams.

James Chedgey became Chief Financial Officer of Carnival UK in January 2019. James initially joined Carnival UK in January 2013 as the Corporate Finance and Planning Director before relocating to the Carnival head office in Miami to become the VP of Global Financial Planning & Analysis with responsibility for the annual planning cycles (captial, strategic and operating) as well as support the Investor Relations Programme and performing analysis for the Senior global leadership team.

Prior to joining Carnival James held finance positions of increasing responsibility at Royal Mail and Charter International plc.