Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Names Meghan Montana CFO for 2027
Before joining Norwegian, Montana was American Airlines’ senior vice president of finance and corporate development, after serving as the carrier’s treasurer.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has appointed Meghan Montana as chief financial officer effective January 1, 2027, succeeding Mark A. Kempa. Montana currently serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the Miami-based cruise group.
The appointment moves responsibility for finance to an executive already overseeing the company’s turnaround strategy. Since joining in January 2026, Montana has led its transformation office and global outsourcing initiatives as Norwegian works to improve financial performance, reduce costs and strengthen its balance sheet.
“Meghan’s extensive financial experience and clear understanding of the priorities driving our turnaround give me great confidence in her ability to step into the role of CFO,” said John W. Chidsey, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The group’s revenue rose 3.7% to $9.8 billion in 2025, while adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to $2.73 billion. It reported GAAP net income of $423.2 million and adjusted net income of $1.045 billion.
Montana will also inherit a long-term newbuild program across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The company expects to add 16 ships through 2037, representing approximately 43,000 additional berths.
From airline treasury to cruise finance
Montana has nearly two decades of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, along with strategic planning. Before joining Norwegian, she was senior vice president of finance and corporate development at American Airlines, with responsibility for financial planning and analysis, divisional finance and corporate development.
She previously served as the airline’s treasurer, overseeing global banking relationships, fleet transactions, asset management and insurance. In that role, she helped manage liquidity and balance sheet challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery.
Earlier in her career, Montana held senior banking roles at Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland. She holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami University.
“My focus will be on supporting disciplined execution and capital allocation, strengthening our financial position and helping translate our strategic priorities into sustainable improvements in performance,” Montana said.
Kempa’s departure follows more than 25 years
Kempa joined Norwegian in 1999. He helped guide the company through its initial public offering and the acquisitions of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Chidsey credited Kempa’s financial leadership with helping Norwegian survive the pandemic. More recently, Kempa has led cost-reduction efforts across the company’s shipboard and shoreside operations.
Kempa expressed confidence in Montana and the company’s direction, citing its strategy, assets and brands as a foundation for future performance.
After relinquishing the CFO position, Kempa will remain with Norwegian in an advisory role through June 2027 to support the handover.
