Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) has promoted Ben Clement (pictured) to the role of Executive Vice President, Maritime & Newbuilds, effective January, 2025.
Clement, a 28-year veteran of the company, currently serves as Senior Vice President, Newbuilds, Refurbishments and Product Development, and will move into his new expanded role when Lars Ljoen, currently Carnival’s COO, transitions to Carnival Corp, as the company’s new Chief Maritime Officer.
He joined Carnival in 1996 and has played a leading role in the design, refurbishment and building of all of the line’s 27 ships over the last two decades.
His innovative approach to ship and product design has allowed Carnival to introduce new classes of ships – including the ‘Dream’, ‘Vista’ and ‘Excel’ classes – as well as innovations, such as the first roller coasters at sea.
“Ben has continually pushed us to think about ship design, features, venues and products in ways that have helped redefine Carnival, grow guest loyalty and build a vibrant customer base that has propelled our growth,” said Christine Duffy, CCL President.
“Yet he is also an outstanding mariner, with vast knowledge and experience acquired during his time in the French navy, merchant marine, and shipyard management.
“That unique combination of talent and experience across so many aspects of maritime operations will allow us to maintain our leadership in operational and cultural excellence,” she said.
Clement is a French native, and prior to joining Carnival, served as a navigation officer in the French navy, an officer on several merchant ships, and as a director at a shipyard in Toulon, France.
In addition to his newbuild and refurbishment responsibilities, Clement will head up CCL’s maritime operations, technical operations and compliance functions.
With five new ships on order – including a completely new class of ship – CCL will backfill his current role to support the successful delivery of those ships that will begin in 2027.
