A. Kirk Lanterman is a Bismarck, ND native who attended UND. While attending college at UND, Lanterman was also a member of the National Guard. Lanterman’s involvement in the military led him to Korea and upon returning to the United States he finished his college education with a degree in accounting from the University of Washington in 1955.

After graduation, Lanterman worked for the accounting firm PriceWaterhouse. In 1970, he began his career in the travel industry that has kept him busy for the last 32 years. Lanterman started out as the Vice President of Finance for Westours Inc. After two years on the job, he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Westours which was then acquired by the Holland America Line. In 1979, Lanterman became the President of Westours and in 1983, when the two companies consolidated, he was named President for Holland America Line-Westours. Following this, the company was purchased by Carnival Cruise Lines (now Carnival Corporation) and Lanterman became Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In 1997, he was promoted to his current position as chairman and CEO.

Kirk, and his wife, Janet, reside in Seattle, WA and have four daughters.