Royal CaribbeanRichard Fain has resigned as Chief Executive Officer after over three decades of service to the U.S.-based cruise operator, which is still struggling from the recession caused by the coronavirus crises.

Royal Caribbean has announced that Jason Liberty, the Finance Chief will become CEO. His task will be to restore sailing operations after being suspended for more than a decade.

Fain was one the most important leaders in pushing for safe sailing restarts after the Pandemic which decimated half of Royal Caribbean’s market value by 2020.

It teamed up to a competitor Norwegian Cruise Line Holdingsto create a taskforce to assist in the development of safety standards that can be used to revive the industry.

Royal Caribbean is the first major cruise line to resume US operations in June.

Fain said that it was time for him to retire in January 2022. With most of the ship fleet still operating, and the group close to returning to cruising, Fain stated, “It was the right moment to step down.”

Fain was instrumental in the expansion of the company into an international group that includes nearly 60 vessels. This included several brands such as Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises.

Fain will remain the chairman of the board. He will be working with Liberty. Liberty joined Royal Caribbean in 2005, and was appointed chief financial officer in 2013.

Royal Caribbean announced that Naftali, the senior vice-president of Royal Caribbean, will be taking over as CFO.