Celebrity Cruises chief executive Dan Hanrahan has confirmed he will step down in order to pursue an “exciting new opportunity”.

Celebrity-owner Royal Caribbean Cruises confirmed the news earlier, with the decision due to take effect at the end of July.

Hanrahan has been with the brand 13 years.

He began his career as a marketing executive with Royal Caribbean, eventually being promoted to president of Celebrity in 2005.

He took over as chief executive of the cruise line two years later.

“Royal Caribbean has been very fortunate to have benefited from Dan’s leadership and vision over the past 13 years,” Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain said earlier.

“I wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to the next phase of what I’m certain will continue to be a very successful career.”

Hanrahan, 54, will become president of hair care giant Regis Corporation, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.