Arnold W. Donald, a director of
Carnival Corporation since 2001, and a director of
Carnival plc since 2003, has been elevated to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of
Carnival Corporation & plc. Donald, 58, assumed this post that was previously held by Carnival Chairman
Micky Arison, CEO since 1979, who has been filling both roles.
Donald, who began his new position in July, is taking the reigns at a time when Carnival is in the process of restoring it’s image after a spate of unfortunate incidents aboard ships of
Carnival Cruise Lines and
Costa Cruises in recent months.
Industry observes predict that Donald’s impressive resume and sterling credentials will be a major driving force in regaining customer confidence in the Carnival product, which is one of the most popular brands among African-American travelers.
In addition to his 12-year career with Carnival, Donald is also principal of
AWDPLC LLC, a private investment company. He was president and chief executive officer of
The Executive Leadership Council, a professional network of African-American executives of major U.S. companies, from 2010 to June 2012. He previously served as president and chief executive officer of
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International from 2006 to 2008. From 2000 to 2005, Donald was the chairman of the Board of
Merisant Company, a manufacturer and marketer of tabletop sweetener products, including the Equal® and Canderel® brands. From 2000 to 2003, he was also the chief executive officer of Merisant Company. From 1998 to 2000, he was senior vice-president of
Monsanto Company, a company that develops agricultural products and consumer goods, and president of its nutrition and consumer sector. Prior to that, he was president of Monsanto Company's agricultural sector.
Donald has also been a member of the boards of directors of
Bank of America Corporation since January 2013,
Crown Holdings, Inc. since July 1999 and
The Laclede Group, Inc. since January 2003. He was a member of the board of
Oil-Dri Corporation of America from December 1997 to January 2013 and
The Scotts Company from March 2000 to January 2009.
Carnival Corporation is a British and American company which has its US headquarters in Miami.