Ponant announced the appointment of Patrick Augier as General Secretary.

Set to begin his role on March 1, 2023, he will support the company’s ambition to become the market leader in high-end expedition cruising and a global reference for responsible tourism. Patrick will serve on the Executive Committee and oversee strategic development for four teams: Research & Development and Academic Science, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategy and Newbuild Projects, and Institutional Relations.

Augier has sailed around the world as a nuclear engineer then chief engineer on nuclear attack submarines as well as the captain of ships, the company said.

He was the last to command the Jeanne d’Arc helicopter carrier. He then served as an advisor to the Prime Minister overseeing France’s maritime policy from 2013 to 2019. As Vice-Admiral, he commanded Marseille’s marine fire department during the Covid-19 health crisis where he introduced many innovative solutions all of which were universally praised.

“My life-long commitment is to protect and promote the sea as a territory,” Augier stated.

In his new post, he will be bringing all his expertise and experience of major maritime issues to bear on the Explore to Inspire strategy defined and promoted by Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant.

“Ponant is a unique player in the travel industry. The commitment that defines our values, and is at the heart of our strategy, is to offer customers inspiring, meaningful voyages. I welcome the arrival of Patrick Augier whose exceptional understanding of our sector and maritime issues will help us combine innovation, excellence and respect for the planet to put at the service of our guests,” added Gastinel.

Augier succeeds Gravatte who leaves the company after nine years of leading strategic projects including newbuilds and CSR.