Cunard has announced Matt Gleaves as VP, Commercial – North America and Australasia, to lead the company’s growth across the region as capacity increases across the fleet by more than 40 percent, the company said, in a press release.

Gleaves has worked for Carnival UK since 2010 and since 2017 on Cunard’s leadership team, most recently as VP, International Development and Planning.

While Gleaves has previously worked with the North American and Australasia operations, this move will see him dedicated to the role and be based out of the Santa Clarita, California office.

He will be responsible for all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management, customer service and guest relations for North America, Canada, Australia, Japan and across the Asia region. Gleaves will report to Sture Myrmell, President, Carnival UK.

“North America has always been fundamental to Cunard’s success with the Australasian region becoming a staple to the brand and that importance will grow significantly. Our new ship, Queen Anne, arrives in early 2024, we are increasing our sailings in Alaska, Australia and Japan, and given the unique appeal of the brand we see further opportunities to grow the number of guests in these regions sailing across the fleet, including on the iconic Transatlantic Crossing on the only ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2.” Gleaves said,

“We have fantastic teams in place and are investing further in all aspects of the local operations. I am keen to partner with the local travel advisor community and collaborate on unlocking more of our iconic line’s potential.”

Prior to his tenure with Cunard, Gleaves held senior management positions with global companies IBM, Estée Lauder and VT group.