To enable the planned growth across Asia-Pacific, PONANT has appointed leading Australian travel identity Chris Hall as Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific and Special Adviser for PONANT.
Sarina Bratton AM, PONANT Chairman for Asia Pacific said Chris was an experienced leader in the global tour operating, river cruise, expeditions and distribution space.
“Via PONANT’s ‘Explore to Inspire’ Global Strategic plan, Chris will bring an additional level of experience to our International Executive Committee and global operations. As a regional team, we have established a strong foundation to expand and Chris’ appointment will further enhance our ability to provide our guests with even more luxury exploration and expedition experiences,” she said.
PONANT’s commitment in the APAC region and depth of relationships with their partners is strong. Their plan is to accelerate their range and depth through additional ship deployment in the region including PONANT’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant and the company’s newest vessel: the world’s only luxury Icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot. These two vessels will join Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal which have been operating in the region for a number of years.
In taking the role with PONANT, Chris Hall observed: “With the benefit of a proven operational and sales team in APAC, successfully led by Deb Corbett, I feel confident that we can explore new and different opportunities to enhance our guests’ experiences and bring trade partners even stronger results. From a wider company perspective, The PONANT Group is positioned for successful growth, and I look forward to making a significant contribution.”
PONANT now has the largest, newest and most technically advanced fleet in the luxury expedition sector, providing opportunities for expanded destination offerings and further market growth potential.
Chris Hall will take up his full-time role with PONANT on 1 February 2023 and in the interim will be retained as a contractor commencing October 2022.
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