Maurice Zarmati, chief executive of Costa Cruises North America, has confirmed he will retire on November 30th, ending a 40-year relationship with Carnival Corporation.

Ruben Perez has been named general manager of Costa Cruises North America and will supervise operations from the Hollywood office.

However, Zarmati’s has been abolished.

Zarmati began his cruise career as a regional sales manager at Carnival Cruise Lines in 1973, subsequently working through the ranks.

He was originally among three employees of Arison Shipping chosen to join a team of 24 who were assembled to launch Carnival Cruise Lines.

He spent most of his career with the line, rising to director of sales and then vice president of sales before being appointed to his current position in March 2008.

He will continue a relationship with Costa as a consultant for worldwide sales, marketing and passenger-traffic initiatives.