Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced two new appointments to its Senior Leadership Team.

On March 3, Phil Gardner will join as commercial and product director, succeeding Clare Ward, who will retire at the end of April. Gardner brings extensive experience from the cruise, travel, and tourism sectors, having held senior roles at Ambassador, TUI Cruises, Fosun and Thomas Cook. His expertise includes commercial strategy, distribution, marketing, digital transformation and revenue growth.

In his new role, he will oversee commercial strategy, revenue management, product development, and itinerary planning.

On April 7, Colin Parselle will join as chief financial officer. With over 20 years of experience in senior financial roles within the travel industry, Parselle brings a strong background in financial strategy, profitability enhancement and long-term growth.

As CFO, Parselle will lead financial operations, including planning, reporting and analysis.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “I am delighted to announce these new appointments to our Senior Leadership Team. Their knowledge, leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and evolve our brand and product.”

These appointments follow Clare Ward’s decision to retire at the end of April after 13 years with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. She will work closely with Gardner during a four-week handover and will also assist with Colin’s transition into the company.

“I’d like to thank Clare for all her hard work and innovation since she joined Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2012, and on a personal level for all the support she has given me over the past year since I took up the helm,” added Stimpson.

Gardner said: “I’m delighted to be joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines at such an exciting time for the business. It’s a brand that has built a fantastic legacy over the last 175 years and as a result, has a very strong customer base to build on. There’s a significant growth opportunity and I look forward to being part of that journey.”

Parselle added: “I’ve had a fantastic four years with Hotelplan Group in the UK, helping to lead the businesses to significant evolution with CEO Joe Ponte, the UK Board and my amazing team. I am very excited to be joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines during this transformational period and look forward to joining Samantha and the rest of the team in early April.”