Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomes CEO Samantha Stimpson, who has more than 25 years of commercial, operational and executive experience in the travel and hospitality industry.

She joins the company from FTI Touristik, where she currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer. Samantha brings a remarkable track record of strong commercial results, exceptional customer experience, and energised organisations.

Based at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Head Office in Ipswich, Suffolk, Samantha will take overall responsibility for strategic development and managing the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ operation, which covers 220 staff in Ipswich and more than 2,000 crew members across the Fred. Olsen fleet of three ocean cruise ships.

Anette Olsen, CEO of Bonheur ASA, said:

“On behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Board of Directors, I am very happy to welcome Samantha to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“Samantha brings a strategic mindset, extensive knowledge and management experience with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the travel industry. We are very pleased that Samantha joins us, as we see exciting possibilities for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for the future.”

Samantha Stimpson said:

“I am honoured to be joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, a company that I have known and admired for years. I very much look forward to working with the organization, contributing my skills and expertise, continuing to enhance the strategy which is built on smaller, elegant ships, and exceptional experiences, underpinned by a culture that recognizes the importance of personal, attentive service.”

Her new role will commence no later than February 1st 2024.

Pete Deer, the current Managing Director, will as previously announced, take the position as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the financial operations of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Anette Olsen said:

“On behalf of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Board of Directors, I very much want to thank Pete Deer, and the entire organisation for the extraordinary efforts during the last few years.”