Vice President, Finance, Ports & Destinations Infrastructure

MSC Cruises • Fort Lauderdale, FL

84d

About The Position

The VP – Finance will provide executive-level financial oversight and operational coordination for a dynamic portfolio of entities (SPVs) active in the development and operation of cruise ports, cruise terminals, marinas, and other destination related infrastructure across the US, Bahamas, and the broader Caribbean region. Reporting directly to the Regional Infrastructure CEO and functionally to the Infrastructure Division Head of Finance, this role serves as a key regional representative, acting as an extension of the Group Headquarters in Geneva. The position is responsible for overseeing daily financial operations, managing cross-border compliance, and liaising with local management and authorities. This executive will facilitate the regional strategy execution and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or Infrastructure Investment.
• CPA, CFA, or infrastructure finance certification preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in port development, tourism infrastructure, or transportation terminals.
• Proven familiarity with PPP structures, concessions, and international joint ventures.
• Deep understanding of sovereign and regulatory frameworks within the Caribbean region.
• Solid understanding of port economics, cruise operations, and tourism-based revenue models.
• Familiarity with international capital structuring, debt/equity markets, and project finance.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and cash management across regional SPVs.
• Implement and monitor financial KPIs tied to occupancy rates, cruise call volumes, passenger spending, and concessionaire revenues.
• Ensure financial operations across jurisdictions maintain transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
• Supervise day-to-day financial operations of the SPVs.
• Liaise with contractors and local authorities on financial matters, resolving operational financial issues exceeding local teams' capabilities.
• Ensure alignment with Group policies and procedures, escalating strategic issues to Geneva Headquarters.
• Act as the primary regional financial representative in discussions with cruise lines, port authorities, ministries of tourism, and sovereign wealth funds.
• Provide regional financial analysis, reporting, and insights to internal and external stakeholders as guided by the Group CFO organization.
• Support the Headquarters finance team in Geneva in financial modeling related to PPPs, concession models, sovereign guarantees, structured financing scenarios, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including US GAAP/IFRS and maritime and tourism-related tax laws.
• Manage regional financial risks related to currency fluctuations, tourism seasonality, and sovereign negotiations.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to regional finance teams across the US, Bahamas, and Caribbean.
• Collaborate closely with local operational teams, development, operations, and legal departments to manage projects from feasibility through operational execution.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Master's degree