P&O Cruises Australia today announced the appointment of a full-time president. Sture Myrmell, who is currently Senior Vice President P&O Cruises, will take responsibility for managing the brand’s operations, effective January 1, 2016.

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, who has been leading the day-to-day activities of P&O Cruises for the past eight years as well as driving strategy for the region’s brands, will become Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman.

She will continue to have strategic oversight across the seven cruise lines that operate in this region under Carnival Australia’s umbrella, coordinating direction, management and advocacy on major issues.

“I am very proud to hand the day-to-day operations of P&O Cruises to Sture, who has been so integral to the evolution of the brand since joining in 2007,” Sherry said.

“Sture’s appointment is a vote of confidence in P&O Cruises and a demonstration of its overwhelming success as Australia’s major cruise brand and the backbone of the industry in this region.

“All of Carnival Corporation’s brands around the world have a standalone President, and Sture’s appointment is recognition of the value and power of P&O Cruises in Australia and New Zealand.

“Importantly, it is also wonderful acknowledgement of Sture’s leadership in transforming P&O Cruises into a product that is like no other in the marketplace and one that truly reflects modern Australia.

“In many ways, Sture’s success is a turning point for the industry because it cements the success of a home-grown brand.”

Myrmell, who first started working onboard ships 22 years ago, has worked across almost every facet of the cruise business. He is currently responsible for P&O Cruises’ Commercial, Guest Experience and Product Development areas.