Norwegian Cruise Line has named Drew Madsen president and COO; he will oversee the cruise line’s day-to-day business.
Madsen comes to Norwegian from Darden Restaurants, where he was COO. Darden’s brands include Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Madsen managed the Olive Garden brand for more than six years before being promoted to COO in 2004.
Madsen announced his retirement in September 2013.
The Orlando-based restaurant operator has been under fire from activist investors because of sagging sales. Darden unloaded Red Lobster, its second-biggest chain after Olive Garden, in July for about $2.1 billion in cash.
Last week, Darden stockholders voted to replace the entire board with a slate of directors proposed by hedge fund Starboard Value, Darden's second-biggest shareholder.
Norwegian said Madsen has more than 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality and consumer products. In his career prior to working for Darden, Madsen was with General Mills among other companies.
“Having delivered exceptional results during his tenure at Darden, Drew has a wealth of experience to draw upon as he joins Norwegian,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“We are at an exciting point in our company’s history. With the upcoming acquisition of Prestige Cruises International, it is the opportune time to add such a talented individual to our already diversified leadership team to focus on the core day-to-day business. I am confident in Drew as a results-oriented, highly collaborative and thoughtful leader who will continue to propel Norwegian on our positive growth trajectory.”
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This report was updated to add information about Darden and Madsen's tenure at the company.