AMERICAS. Leading cruise retailer Starboard Cruise Services has named John McGirl (pictured) as Chief People Experience Officer. In the newly created role, he will serve as a core member of the Starboard Executive Leadership Team and report directly to President and CEO Lisa Bauer.
Starting on 4 April, he is tasked with leading and shaping Starboard’s worldwide employee experience, implementing strategic initiatives and identifying opportunities that align with the company’s mission.
McGirl brings more than 30 years of experience in people, culture and leadership to Starboard. Starboard said that he brings expertise in building “customer-centric, performance driven teams”, and will be essential in “shaping and advancing the company’s culture while fostering diversity, equity and inclusion standards”.
“We are excited to add John’s vast experience, valuable insights and innovative thinking to our executive team,” stated Lisa Bauer. “His track record, depth of industry knowledge and excitement to drive the growth of our business as well as our customer-centric culture, makes him the ideal leader to enhance the employee experience.”
“I look forward to joining Starboard during a pivotal moment of growth and being able to scale its inclusive culture across the land-based and shipboard staff members,” said McGirl.
Previously, McGirl was Chief Operations Officer for The World, the largest privately-owned residential yacht. He has held multiple executive-level positions in the cruise sector as Vice President of Human Resources and Quality Assurance at both Cunard Line and The Yachts of Seabourn; Vice President of Human Resources for Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Cruise Lines and Chief Human Resources Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
