Carnival Cruise Line Leon Sutcliffe ~ Director, Ports of Call & Government Relations (Caribbean, Europe) Leon was born in Manchester, England where his early Industrial & Commercial experience was gained as a surveyor and in property management. He joined Carnival Cruise Line in 1994 from British Environmental Services Company Rentokil Initial Ltd, where he was employed as a Surveyor. He first served aboard the T.S.S Fiesta Marina and later on all Carnival vessels until he came shore side in 2000 as Port Operations Supervisor, responsible for liaison with all local & foreign government agencies & Port Authorities in facilitating the port entry & clearance process of the vessels. Leon has held various management positions at Carnival, eventually leading to being appointed Director Port Operations, followed by his recent appointment to the newly created role as Director Commercial Port Operations, Ports of call & Government Relations (Caribbean & Europe). Leon utilizes his extensive experience of the company history and development in contributing to the formulization and execution of strategic and operational plans. In particular a major highlight is the fostering and maintenance of external relationships including governments. Such joint alliances or partnerships form an important and growing feature of Carnival’s vision for the future in the pursuit of market expansion and profitability. Leon has a wealth of practical experience in the strategic and operational levels of shore side management. He is “very in tune” and alive to the daily issues of practicing as a senior manager. He combines a feet on the ground approach with high level management prowess. His experience & management style has attracted a very positive response from customers, colleagues and government agencies.
Erika Tache ~ Director Product Development, Tour Operations Erika Tache, a versatile Tour Consultant with a broad expertise and international experience across a wide spectrum of the tourism industry, joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 2001. Erika’s wide-ranging skill set has enabled her to successfully contribute in a variety of roles, including shipboard operations, pre-sales, product management and revenue management. As Director of Product Development, she is responsible for the global activities and product development of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Tour Operations. As a Regional Lead for Global Destinations Services and Sourcing for Carnival Corporation, Erika will have the responsibility for the Caribbean, Mexico and USA in the procurement and contracting of all tours for all Carnival Corporation Brands.
Terry L. Thornton ~ Senior Vice President, Fleet Deployment and Port Operations Terry Thornton’s background in the cruise industry spans almost 40 years beginning with financial and marketing positions at Norwegian Cruise Line from 1977 to 1982. He then moved on to spend five years at Sea Goddess, where as one of the founders, Thornton played an integral role in launching that new cruise line. Thornton then served as Vice President of Finance for Windstar Cruises for two years prior to joining Carnival Cruise Line in 1989. Thornton joined the Carnival marketing team as Manager of Special Projects and is currently Senior Vice President, Fleet Deployment and Port Operations. Terry represents Carnival Cruise Line in the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association as Chairman of the Marketing Committee.
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CRUISE INDUSTRY PROFILES