Ponant’s Deb Corbett has energy to burn, relishes her role as CEO and loves showing her daughters that anything is possible. Deb Corbett talks with Karryon about what’s ahead for the luxury expedition group.
Deb Corbett’s CV is impressive, to say the least. She has more than 35 years’ experience in the travel industry, with expertise spanning retail franchise networks, supplier partnerships, hotel contracting in Indonesia and sales representation for land and cruise operators.
Having joined Ponant in 2017 as Commercial Director for Asia Pacific, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the region’s business, she was appointed General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Ponant’s Sydney-based operations in 2020, before stepping into her current role as Ponant APAC CEO in July 2024.
When we ask Deb what her appointment as CEO has meant to her, professionally and personally over the past seven months, she says that on a personal level, she has continued leading with empathy and has been “laser-focused on the importance of clear communication”.

“Professionally, I’ve had a lot happening, and reflecting on this, I feel like the role has been a combination of challenges and rewards,” she explains. “I’m so grateful for the support of my amazing team, who continue to inspire me every day with their creativity, professionalism and sheer dedication to customer service excellence.
“I have an abundance of energy and enthusiasm, and I have learned over the past seven months just how critical my energy is to the business – an energy that fosters positive rhythm and forward motion. The team sees my commitment, and professionally this has strengthened their confidence in our strategic vision and direction.
“I’ve also learned to be more resilient than ever before, especially showing the team how to bounce back from setbacks and demonstrating how critical this is for maintaining progress in the organisation.
“In short, I absolutely love the role, I love making a difference and I love working with such awesome talent.”
Green shoots


There’s a lot happening in the luxury expedition cruise sector – just last month Ponant Explorations Group announced it had acquired a majority shareholding in boutique expedition company Aqua Expeditions. What is Deb looking forward to right now?
“Our business plan is set, and the seeds are planted ready for ‘green shoots’. I’m looking forward to helping the team to drive growth and for the Asia Pacific region continuing to be a key contributor to the global business,” she says.
“We’re ready to evolve our core markets and explore new ones; to further enhance our offering and to ensure the operation is efficient and productive; but what excites me most is being able to watch my team develop professionally, in a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
“This is the most rewarding aspect of being a leader – empowering a team to reach their full potential. I can’t wait to celebrate their personal success with them, as I know they will achieve great heights again this year.”
Deb, who reports to the “inspirational” Belinda Hindmarsh, Ponant’s Deputy CEO Global Business, will visit Ponant’s Global Operating Centre in Marseille four times over the coming year. She emphasises the importance of creating deeper relationships with key stakeholders, which “enables more effective collaboration and alignment of strategic goals across the regions”.
“I also aim to sail onboard one of our ships once a year, testing our guest experience and exploring the amazing destinations in our portfolio. Having strict boundaries around a pre-planned diary, with a structured calendar and action plan, is the only way I can organise my year.”
The world’s first carbon-neutral ship


In October last year, Ponant was selected to receive INNOVFUND support for its Swap2Zero project, which will be the world’s first transoceanic ship designed for carbon neutrality. Deb says that this European Commission grant is a “testament to the years of research and development led by Ponant’s R&D and New Building teams, under the direction of Mathieu Petiteau”.
“It validates the Swap2Zero project, which targets zero CO₂ emissions during this new ship’s operations and propels our commitment to pioneering renewable energy solutions. Swap2Zero is more than a technological innovation; it’s a testament to our dedication to responsible tourism, ensuring we minimise our environmental impact while delivering exceptional experiences.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this project marks a significant step towards a greener future for the industry.”
Catching the travel bug


Having grown up in Sydney’s Northbridge – not far from where she now lives – Deb found her way into the travel industry almost by chance. When she returned from a gap year after graduating from the University of NSW, she was on the hunt for a job regardless of what industry it was in.
“I answered a job advert from CTC Cruise Lines, fell in love with the travel sector and the rest is history.
What are some of the highlights of Deb’s illustrious career?
“Hotel contracting in Jakarta and Bali was a fantastic experience where I made lifelong friendships and connected with the most wonderful people,” she says.
“Learning a new culture from both a business and personal perspective was transformative. And my journey at Ponant, moving from sales and marketing into a CEO position, has been the pinnacle for myself and my family. I love showing my two daughters that anything is possible.”
Over the years she has travelled to all seven continents, “wouldn’t know where to start” on making a list of countries she’s visited, but says her favourite destinations are Antarctica, the Kimberley and the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.


As for balancing work, travel and family life, Deb says she has clear guidelines that “create harmony between work commitments and give me meaningful family time”.
“I prioritise quality time with family and friends as well as my team. A daily routine of healthy eating and exercise – I love yoga and swimming – helps me stay on track and having a fabulous team at work who I can effectively delegate the day-to-day tasks to is a gamechanger. Making time to reflect and celebrate successes personally and professionally is a priority, and I ensure that I’m ‘present in the moment’ when doing this.”
According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Jobs on the Rise report, travel agent is the third-fastest growing job in Australia. What would Deb advise someone embarking on a career in travel today, particularly as a travel advisor?
“Enjoy the journey in designing client experiences and make the planning and preparation part of the excitement. Ensure you keep that fire in your belly for the things you love doing and do it each day with energy and enthusiasm. Uphold the values of trust, respect and unity and the rest will follow.”