Fred Olsen appoints Jackie Martin sales and marketing director

Martin took up her role with the line on Wednesday (24 April) reporting to managing director Mike Rodwell. She replaces Justin Stanton, who has left the line after 13 years to “pursue a new opportunity in the travel industry”.

The line’s new head of sales Geoff Ridgeon, who will replace the retiring Mike Evans on 7 May, will report to Martin, along with head of marketing Ben Williams and public relations manager Rachael Jackson.

Martin’s role will focus on developing the Fred Olsen brand and the line’s relationships with its trade partners while ensuring its marketing and PR activity drives sales both through the trade and via its own channels.

She joins from Bourne Leisure, where she was sales and marketing director for Butlin’s.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful Fred Olsen team and it will be a real privilege to help caretake such a fabulous brand with a rich heritage and loyal following,” said Martin. “I’m also looking forward to working with Geoff and our trade partners to help develop even more compelling reasons to choose Fred Olsen in the future.”

Rodwell added: “We are delighted to have found such a fitting and dynamic candidate to fill this pivotal role within our senior management team. Jackie’s extensive sales and marketing expertise – most recently with a well-known travel brand – will be sure to stand her in good stead in this key position.

“This is an exciting time of growth, but also of great challenges, in the cruise industry. I am confident that Jackie will embrace the opportunities available to us and will play an important part in helping to develop and shape the direction of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines well into the future.”