Carnival Cruise Line has announced the promotion of Ben Clement to Executive Vice President, Maritime & New Builds, effective January 2025. This appointment marks a significant step forward in Clement’s long-standing career with the company, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation. Clement will succeed Lars Ljoen, Carnival’s current Chief Operations Officer, who is transitioning to Carnival Corporation as the new Chief Maritime Officer.
Clement, a veteran of the cruise industry with nearly 30 years of experience at Carnival, currently holds the title of Senior Vice President, overseeing new builds, refurbishments, and product development. His promotion to Executive Vice President is a testament to his extensive contributions to the company, particularly in driving forward its ambitious shipbuilding and renovation projects.
Since joining Carnival in 1996, Clement has been instrumental in the development and design of the company’s impressive 27-ship fleet. His vision and expertise have been pivotal in not only maintaining but also enhancing Carnival’s reputation for offering cutting-edge cruise experiences. Over the years, Clement has overseen the creation and refurbishment of several ship classes, including the Dream, Vista, and Excel classes, which have set new benchmarks in the cruise industry.
Clement’s legacy at Carnival is further highlighted by his role in introducing groundbreaking innovations, such as the first roller coasters at sea. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of cruise ship design has helped Carnival continually evolve and remain at the forefront of the industry.
Originally from France, Ben Clement brings a wealth of maritime experience to Carnival, having previously served in various prestigious roles. Before joining the cruise industry, he was a navigation officer in the French navy and an officer on several merchant ships. Clement also held a directorial position at a shipyard in Toulon, France, where he honed his expertise in shipbuilding and maritime operations. His extensive background in both military and commercial maritime sectors has equipped him with a unique skill set that has been invaluable to Carnival’s success.
Clement’s academic achievements further highlight his distinguished career. He earned a diploma as a merchant marine officer and graduated as the valedictorian from the French navy officers school, underscoring his exceptional dedication and leadership. Additionally, he completed the executive program at Stanford University School of Business, which has further broadened his strategic and management capabilities. These accomplishments reflect Clement’s commitment to excellence and his ongoing influence in the maritime industry.
In his expanded role, Ben Clement will oversee Carnival’s maritime operations, technical operations, and compliance functions, alongside his ongoing responsibilities for new builds and refurbishments. With Carnival poised to introduce five new ships, including an entirely new class, Clement’s leadership will be crucial in guiding these projects to fruition. To ensure the seamless delivery of these ships, which are scheduled to start arriving in 2027, Carnival plans to appoint a successor to Clement’s current position.
As Carnival continues its ambitious growth trajectory, Clement’s expertise will play a vital role in maintaining the company’s high standards of maritime excellence and innovation. His expanded oversight will help drive the successful integration of these new vessels into Carnival’s fleet, ensuring they meet the company’s rigorous technical and operational benchmarks. This strategic move underscores Carnival’s commitment to evolving its fleet while maintaining a strong focus on operational integrity and compliance.
