Carnival has put Michael Thamm in charge of its Asia unit as the world's largest cruise company focuses on growth in the Chinese market.
The Miami cruiseship owner said Thamm's current role as chief executive of Costa Group will expand, giving him the same title at Carnival Asia.
His new duties will include cooperation with the Chinese government and local partners to build a long-term cruise industry in the country.
"We will work with partners across the region to build and develop a robust ecosystem for the sustained development of China's cruise industry, helping China to be a front-runner in the global cruise market," Thamm.
Carnival described Thamm's new appointment as a reflection China's role as an "upcoming strong pillar" of its business, where a joint venture with China State Shipbuilding Corp and CIC Capital is aiming to create a domestic-owned cruise line that plans to eventually build cruiseships in the country's shipyards.
Company-wide chief executive Arnold Donald said the New York and London-listed company is excited to take part in Asia's China-centred cruIse boom, which he said is in line with Beijing's efforts to shift from an investment-based economy to a consumer-driven model.
"We are committed to accelerating the advancement of the overall cruise industry in China, consistent with the current five-year plan," Donald said. "Michael Thamm will build on the existing strong momentum and Carnival Corporation's leading position through his proven leadership skills and exceptional industry expertise."
Thamm is a three-decade veteran of the cruise and shipping industries. In 2012, he took charge of the Costa Group, where he will continue to oversee Aida Cruises and Costa Cruises after serving as president at Aida.
