Carnival Corporation shakes up things on the top replacing Arnold Donal who led Carnival to record results before Covid-19 with Josh Weinstein as president and chief executive on 1 August. Weinstein, currently chief operations officer, will become only the third person to lead the cruise giant founded by chairman Micky Arison.

Weinstein, 48, stepped into the chief operations officer role right in the midst of that Covid-19 crisis in June 2020, taking on the job of second in command as the company faced the challenge of resuscitating a fleet halted by the pandemic.

“Josh is a proven executive who is well-respected throughout the company, serving in key leadership roles, driving strong business results during his tenure and playing an integral part in stewarding the company through the global pandemic,” Donald said.

“Josh’s thorough understanding of our industry, operations and business strategy puts him in a tremendous position to lead the next phase of our company’s journey. With his vision, intensity and core values truly aligned to those of our company, I cannot think of anyone better suited for this role than Josh.”

Weinstein has spent 20 years at Carnival. Before his two years as group-wide chief operations officer, he spent three years as president of Carnival UK, the operating company that oversees Cunard and P&O Cruises (UK).

“I am truly humbled to take up the role of CEO and am honored to lead such a talented team of over 100,000 ship and shoreside team members who do such an incredible job in delivering unforgettable, happy vacations to our guests, day in and day out,” Weinstein said.

Carnival did not say whether Weinstein will take over the chief climate officer role that Donald added to his job title in January.