Harding+ has announced the appointment of Jeremy Fennell as its chief executive officer (CEO) effective October 1, 2026.

He succeeds Chris Matthews, who joined the company in 2023, and who will continue working with the business as executive director, supporting the holding board.

Harding+ Chairman Mike Coupe described the appointment as a well-planned transition process.

“Chris has strengthened Harding+ considerably and leaves the business well positioned for its next phase of growth. Jeremy brings precisely the skills and experience we need to continue that success, with deep operational expertise in travel concessions, a track record of driving growth at scale, and the international leadership to take Harding+ to its next level. I’m delighted to welcome him, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with both Jeremy and Chris as we move the business forward,” he noted.

Fennell was most recently group chief operating officer at SSP Group, where he previously served as CEO for Continental Europe and Nordics.

Before SSP, he spent over two decades at Dixons Carphone, holding senior roles in the UK and internationally, including managing director of Carphone Warehouse and leadership of Dixons Travel.

Fennel said he is delighted to join Harding, which has a unique position in travel retail.

“The transformation Chris and the team have built has created real momentum – and there is plenty more still to do, which is exactly what makes this such a compelling opportunity,” he noted.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues across the business, our cruise line partners, and our brand and supplier partners to deliver even better retail experiences for our guests. I’m excited to play my part in helping write Harding’s next chapter.”

In other news, the brand recently extended its partnership with Princess Cruises until 2031.