Norwegian Cruise Line has announced hospitality veteran Drew Madsen has joined as president and chief operating officer.

Madsen brings a strong track record of success to Norwegian with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and consumer products industry, most recently as president and chief operating officer at Darden Restaurants.

“Having delivered exceptional results during his tenure at Darden, Drew has a wealth of experience to draw upon as he joins Norwegian,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

“We are at an exciting point in our company’s history.

“With the upcoming acquisition of Prestige Cruises International, Inc., it is the opportune time to add such a talented individual to our already diversified leadership team to focus on the core day-to-day business.

“I am confident in Drew as a results-oriented, highly collaborative and thoughtful leader who will continue to propel Norwegian on our positive growth trajectory.”

Madsen played an instrumental role in establishing Darden as the most successful multi-brand operator in the full-service restaurant industry, increasing sales from $4.8 billion to $8.6 billion, while delivering a cumulative total shareholder return of 110 per cent that significantly exceeded the S&P 500 by more than 47 per cent.

Prior to Darden, Drew held leadership and marketing positions at James River Corporation and General Mills, among others.

Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to produce results that led to improved operating margins, increased guest satisfaction, superior market penetration and an enhanced level of employee fulfilment.

“I am thrilled to be starting the next chapter of my career at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Madsen.

“I am looking forward to ensuring that Norwegian excels in every facet of operation and that we continue to produce industry leading financial results, while also bringing new ideas and ways of doing business that improve guest satisfaction and team member involvement.”

Madsen holds a master of business administration with distinction from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University.