Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings named Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Meghan Montana its next CFO as it works to reduce net leverage while carrying $14.8 billion in net debt.
CFO Mark A. Kempa will hold the position through Dec. 31, 2026, then advise President and CEO John W. Chidsey from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2027, the company said in its announcement and a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company credited Kempa, who joined in 1999, with steering Norwegian through its stock-market debut and later purchases of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Chidsey also credited his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since joining in January 2026, Montana has overseen NCLH’s transformation office, turnaround program and global outsourcing work. Before joining Norwegian, Montana worked in finance and corporate development at American Airlines, including as its treasurer, and held banking posts at Deutsche Bank, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Chartered. Chidsey said she has a “clear understanding” of the priorities behind the company’s turnaround.
Montana’s agreement sets her annual base salary at $875,000, subject to annual review, and makes her eligible for a bonus set by the board’s Compensation Committee. During his advisory period, Kempa will receive $3,200 in gross salary each month and 33,000 time-based restricted share units instead of a prorated 2027 bonus. The units vest June 30, 2027, if he remains in service; he is also eligible for his 2026 bonus.
For the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2026, Norwegian reported $2.9 billion in revenue, $491 million in GAAP net income and earnings per share of $1.07. It had $15.1 billion in total debt and net leverage of 5.5 times at quarter-end. The company has identified balance-sheet improvement and lower net leverage as priorities.
After the quarter, Norwegian issued $950 million in 8.750% senior notes due 2031 and increased its revolving loan facility. It said it had no significant debt maturities until 2029. Montana is due to take over the CFO role Jan. 1, 2027.
