Nigel Lingard, marketing director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, is leaving later this year.
In a message to his industry friends and colleagues, Lingard said: "After much deliberation, I have decided to step back from full time work later this year in order to devote more time to home life.
"I will therefore take retirement from my position as marketing director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on November 30.
"No prizes for guessing that I will still hope to retain some part-time involvement in the travel/cruise industries, so you’re not rid of me yet!"
Lingard, joined Fred. Olsen in its Ipswich, Suffolk headquarters in 1988.
He is a director and past chairman of the Passenger Shipping Association, and serves on ABTA’s Membership Committee.
Fred. Olsen managing director Mike Rodwell said: "We wish Nigel every success with his future plans, and thank him for the tremendous contribution he has made to Fred. Olsen.
"During his 23-year career with the Company, he has seen us grow from a single-ship operation to being one of the most well-established cruise lines in the world, and he leaves behind an important legacy upon which we can grow in the coming years."
By Bev Fearis
