Windstar Cruises today said it had hired Paul Barrett as Vice President of Technical Operations beginning immediately.

Barrett is responsible for the small ship line’s Technical Operations Department overseeing all related aspects with regard to safety and regulatory compliance, inventory control and purchasing, shipyard projects and refits.

Barrett also oversees the Engine Department, to ensure timely, diligent and efficient maintenance and safe operation, with a minimum environmental impact as described in the company’s safety management system (SMS), and related policies, procedures, and practices, according to Windstar. 

“We are continuing to build incredible bench strength of industry leading talent in our efforts to be the world’s best small ship cruise line,” said John Delaney, Windstar’s president.

“We are holding ourselves to a higher standard of operational excellence in everything that we do, which is why we are thrilled to have a consummate professional like Paul join Windstar’s team.” 

Barrett arrives to Windstar with three-plus decades of marine engineering and technical operations experience, having most recently worked for the Holland America Group. Prior to that Barrett was Vice President of Technical Operations at Princess Cruises for seven years having progressed through various management positions and held oversight for the line’s 18 vessels deployed worldwide. Barrett began his maritime career as an Engineer Officer aboard P&O Cruises in 1984.

Barrett completed an Executive Management Leadership Program at the UCLA Anderson School of Management and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California Coast University. Barrett is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technologists in the U.K. and a member of the U.S.A. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. A native of England, Barrett resides in Seattle and joins the 130-plus corporate team at Windstar’s headquarters in downtown Seattle.