Carnival, P&O Australian president bows out after a year in the job

The Australian leader of popular cruise lines Carnival and P & O has suddenly stepped down just over a year after being appointed to the role.

The Australian boss of Carnival and P & O Cruises has quit the high-flying post after just over a year in the job.

Marguerite Fitzgerald, who was appointed President of both cruise line brands in January 2022, resigned from her post due to family reasons, a spokesman for Carnival Australia and P & O Cruises said.

“We would like to thank Marguerite for her significant contribution in restoring confidence and certainty in the industry and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” the spokesman said.

Ms Fitzgerald worked previously at Boston Consulting Group in Melbourne, before moving to Miami for 11 years, where she led BCG’s global lodging and leisure practice and its global strategy business.

Carnival and P & O have credited Ms Fitzgerald with “restoring confidence and certainty” in the cruising industry.

Ms Fitzgerald, who last year spoke at The Daily Telegraph’s Bradfield Oration. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Carnival Splendor Cruise ship is seen docked in Circular Quay in Sydney. Picture : Gaye Gerard

In September 2021, she was announced as the replacement for outgoing Australian president Stuart Myrmell, who took up the role in the company’s UK sector.

P & O’s Senior Vice President of Guest Experience Peter Little will serve as the temporary president while the company decides on a formal replacement for Ms Fitzgerald.

“Peter has vast experience with Carnival Corporation, having served in a number of leadership positions in Australia and in the UK during his tenure with the company,” the spokesman said.