UK. Leading cruise retailer Harding has made several changes to senior executive roles and responsibilities as it plans for growth. Having captured new contracts in recent months, Harding said its business now extends to over 100 ships and 17 cruise partners with projected annual revenues exceeding US$700 million.
Among the key changes, Harding has named Marketing Director Sue Gosling as Chief Brand and Culture Officer. In this newly created role, she will develop the company’s brand identity, enhance employer value proposition and ensure sustainability remains at the heart of the business. Harding said this appointment will ensure “best-in-class consistency for customers, partners and internal colleagues alike”.
Gosling will continue to report to CEO James Prescott, who oversees a strengthened Executive Leadership Team. Chief Commercial Officer Matthew Hodges will assume responsibility for Core Marketing and Customer Insights from 1 August. His role also includes retail operations, and buying/merchandising. He will focus on cruise, brand partner and category strategy using the data and insights programme that Harding has developed over the past five years.
The business will continue to be supported by non-executive directors, including former Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe as Chairman and President Neil Harding.
Prescott commented: “We are an amazing business. Pre-COVID we had achieved all of our five- year business plan objectives, won some significant new contracts and worked with our partners in innovative ways, driven by our cruise specialism, data and breadth of customer insight.
“The investment in people, both internally and through smart hires, and strong processes means we continue to elevate our focus on delivering for all our partners and stakeholders, leading the industry in the key areas of brand, sustainability and culture.
“Having led the marketing and design teams for over five years (during which time we have led the cruise customer insight programme and developed our own digital ‘at sea’ customer experience programme with ‘Oceantainment’), Sue is the best-placed executive to lead this critical role.
“Sales remain significantly stronger than pre-COVID, and I know the importance our core values – trust, respect and collaboration – play in that success alongside being open, honest, flexible, entrepreneurial, and relentless in delivering for our partners and customers alike. With cruiseline partner-focused, data-led and fully empowered teams who are insightful, disciplined and always going the extra mile, we are better prepared to deliver great results today and in the future.”
