Harding+ has been named “Cruise Retailer of the Year” for the fourth time in five years at the DFNI Frontier Awards, as Jeremy Fennell formally takes over as CEO.

The award comes as Fennell succeeds Chris Matthews, who moves to a new role as executive director on the company’s board. The award also recognizes the business’s growth during Matthews’ three years as CEO.

Matthews said: “Four wins in five years says something important about the consistency of this business that I’m immensely proud of.”

“But awards recognize progress rather than signal that the work is finished. There is much opportunity ahead, and I’m delighted to be staying involved as Jeremy takes the business into its next phase,” added Matthews.

Fennell said: “Winning ‘Cruise Retailer of the Year’ for the fourth time in five years is something the whole Harding+ team should be incredibly proud of.”

“You don’t achieve that consistency without a lot of talented people doing exceptional work every day, both onboard and behind the scenes, and I’m delighted to now be part of that team,” added Fennell.

“What I’ve enjoyed just as much this week has been the conversations about what comes next. Cannes brings together many of the people shaping travel retail, and I’ve come away with plenty of ideas, questions and opportunities to explore with our teams and partners,” Fennell said.

“There is already an exceptional business here. The opportunity now is to build on that and see how much further we can go.”

Harding+ said in a press release that the recognition reflects its progress in recent years and provides a platform for its next phase.

Fennell joined Harding+ following a career spanning mainstream retail, international operations, travel and hospitality, most recently as group chief operating officer at SSP Group.

His previous experience also includes more than two decades at Dixons Carphone, including leadership of Dixons Travel.

During that period, Harding+ invested significantly in its operating model, AI strategy and retail modeling, redesigning processes and systems across the business to give shipboard teams more time with guests and support continued like-for-like improvement.