Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has appointed Peter Deer as its new managing director, with effect from September 1.
He replaces Mike Rodwell, who will be retiring from Fred. Olsen at the end of this month after over 30 years with the company.
Deer will take overall responsibility for overseeing and managing the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ operation, which covers over 220 staff in Ipswich and over 2,000 crew members across the Fred. Olsen fleet of four ocean cruise ships.
He joined Fred. Olsen in 1993 as an accountant, then left to take up a role as financial director of a Kent-based fruit shipping business in 1998. He returned to Fred. Olsen in 2004, as commercial director.
Deer said: "The UK cruise market will continue to grow, as many more people try ‘taster’ cruises for the first time and realise that cruising offers a diverse range of experiences. Fred. Olsen’s friendly, more intimate ships are all about delivering memorable holidays and getting to know our customers by name."
Fred. Olsen Junior, chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "I am very pleased that Peter Deer will be taking the helm from Mike Rodwell, to continue his legacy and lead our brand.
"Peter has a breadth of knowledge and expertise in the travel and cruise industries, and I look forward to working with him in his new role to take the business to the next level."
A new commercial director is being sought.
