Royal Caribbean names Liberty CFO

Royal Caribbean appoints Liberty its chief financial officer as Rice retires

MIAMI (AP) -- Royal Caribbean said Thursday that Brian Rice will transition his chief financial officer duties to Jason Liberty as Rice prepares for retirement in 2014.

Liberty will become the new chief financial officer of the cruise line company immediately. He joined the company in 2005 and worked most recently as senior vice president of strategy and finance.

Rice will continue to serve as vice chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. until his retirement. He has been with Royal Caribbean for more than 20 years, serving as CFO since 2006 and vice chairman since 2012.

Royal Caribbean also said that Henry Pujol, currently vice president and corporate controller, has been named senior vice president and controller.

The Miami-based company owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a joint venture.

Royal Caribbean shares rose 29 cents to $38.37 in midday trading.