Gardner will begin his new role on 3 March, taking over from Clare Ward who will retire from her position at the end of April after more than a decade with the cruise line.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines hailed Gardner’s wealth of experience that ranges from commercial strategy, distribution, marketing, digital transformation to revenue growth.
In his new position, Gardner will oversee the line’s commercial strategy, revenue management, product development and itinerary planning, the line confirmed.
Ward, who has spent 13 years at the cruise line, will work closely with Gardner during a four-week handover period, while also supporting new chief financial officer Colin Parselle. He joins the business on 7 April.
The line’s chief executive Samantha Stimpson, who was recently named interim managing director of Fred Olsen Travel as Steve Williams prepares to retire, said: "I’m delighted to announce these new appointments to our senior leadership team. Their knowledge, leadership and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and evolve our brand and product.
“I’d like to thank Clare for all her hard work and innovation since she joined Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in 2012, and on a personal level for all the support she has given me over the past year since I took up the helm.”
Gardner said Fred Olsen Cruise Lines was a brand that has "built a fantastic legacy over the last 175 years, and as a result has a very strong customer base to build on". "There’s a significant growth opportunity and I look forward to being part of that journey," he added.
