Holland America Line president Orlando Ashford announced that he will be leaving the company at the end of May.

The news comes after Seabourn president Richard Meadows announced that he too would be retiring at the end of the month.

Ashford, who heads the premium cruise line within the Carnival Corporation family of brands, has been at the company for nearly five and half years and led a rejuvenation of the brand through an emphasis on enhanced onboard entertainment, live music and culinary experiences through its fleet of 14 cruise ships.

He oversaw the cruise line’s sales and marketing, revenue management, deployment and itinerary planning, public relations, hotel operations and strategy.

Recently, he has guided the company through its pause in global cruise operations that have been extended through the line’s planned 2020 Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England sailing seasons.

Group CEO of Holland America Group and Carnival UK, said Stein Kruse, said: “Orlando has made a substantial contribution to Holland America Line during his tenure, bringing a renewed energy to the premium cruise line that was recognized with many awards and accolades.

“His unique background as an innovator and global leader in human resources was highly respected in our organisation and his dynamism will be greatly missed.”

Ashford said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the evolution of the Holland America Line brand for more than five years.

“I can’t say enough about the talent and teamwork both shoreside and onboard the ships that has driven our many successes over the years.”

He added: “Today, a global pandemic has impacted our industry in ways that are completely unprecedented.”

“However, I believe it is human nature to travel and explore new places and cultures and meet new people.

“I have no doubt that Holland America Line will thrive again soon, and its guests will be ready when cruise operations resume. I look forward to being one of the first to sail.”

Visit hollandamerica.com for more information.