Press release -
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to welcome two new members to Senior Leadership Team
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today announced the appointment of two new members to its Senior Leadership Team.
On Monday, 3rd March, Phil Gardner will become Commercial and Product Director, taking over from Clare Ward who will be retiring from the role at the end of April.
Phil brings a wealth of experience from the cruise, travel, and tourism sectors, having held senior leadership roles at Ambassador, Tui Cruises, Fosun, and Thomas Cook.
With expertise spanning commercial strategy, distribution, marketing, digital transformation, and revenue growth, Phil will oversee all aspects of commercial strategy, revenue management, product development, and itinerary planning.
On 7th April, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will welcome Colin Parselle into the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
With over 20 years of experience in senior financial roles within the travel industry, Colin is a highly accomplished financial leader. He has a proven track record of implementing strategies that enhance profitability and drive long-term growth, while fostering highly engaged teams.
As CFO, Colin will oversee all financial operations, including financial planning, reporting, and analysis. He will work closely with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to align financial strategies with the company’s long-term goals.
These appointments come as Clare Ward prepares to retire from her current role at the end of April, after 13 years with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Clare will work closely with Phil during a four-week handover period and will also support Colin’s induction into the business.
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.
“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.”
On his appointment, Phil 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.”
On joining the Senior Leadership Team in April, Colin said:
“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.”
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com Book online, call Reservations on 0800 0355 215 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
