Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed Leanna Lakes to its Senior Leadership Team, following her appointment to the newly created role of Technical and Marine Operations Director.

The appointment reinforces Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ continued focus on operational excellence as the company supports its future growth plans.

In her role, Leanna will lead a newly established operational function and take responsibility for Fred. Olsen’s Captains, Quality and Resource, Port Operations, and the management of the company’s technical colleagues in Norway.

The position has been created to provide cohesive strategic and commercial leadership across fleet operations, driving greater alignment, consistency and collaboration across onboard, shoreside and technical teams.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“I’m really pleased to announce Leanna’s appointment and welcome her to our Senior Leadership Team.

“Leanna joins Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as a Master Mariner with more than 25 years of senior maritime operational experience, underpinned by many years at sea.

“Her practical insight, technical knowledge and first‑hand understanding of shipping operations will be invaluable as we continue to develop, strengthen and evolve as a business.”

Leanna Lakes, Technical and Marine Operations Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“It’s an absolute privilege to Join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and I am delighted to join Sam and the rest of the team at such an exciting time.

“The business has a rich maritime history and a uniquely tailored cruising experience for its guests, and I am looking forward to getting aboard the ships to meet the crew and understand more about how things work at Fred. Olsen.”

Leanna has held senior roles across cruise and passenger shipping, safety and executive leadership within the UK maritime sector. She has also held a number of non‑executive and advisory appointments, including with the Merchant Navy Training Board, the UK Chamber of Shipping and Solent University’s Business School Advisory Board.