PONANT has appointed Australian travel identity Chris Hall as its Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific and Special Adviser in a move it says will enable the company’s planned growth across Asia-Pacific.
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.
In taking the role with PONANT, Chris Hall said: “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’s plan is to accelerate its 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.
Hall left Australian Pacific Holdings (APH) in December 2021 after 21 years in the business as part of a major restructuring of its business at the height of the pandemic.
He will take up his new full-time role with PONANT on 1 February 2023 and, in the interim, will be retained as a contractor commencing October 2022.
For more, head to www.au.ponant.com
