Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed the appointment of Geoff Ridgeon as its new head of sales, with effect from May 7th.

Reporting into Justin Stanton, sales and marketing director, Ridgeon will take overall responsibility for managing Fred. Olsen’s UK Sales teams, as well as further developing relations with the travel trade.

Ridgeon had been head of cruise at Fred. Olsen Travel – also based in Ipswich, Suffolk – since 2011, and has fulfilled a number of roles over his 22-year career at Fred. Olsen, including franchise manager, sales manager – Star Clippers, and reception manager across the Fred. Olsen fleet.

Ridgeon will be following in the footsteps of Fred. Olsen stalwart Mike Evans, who has been head of sales at the cruise line since 2017.

Evans will be retiring on next month, after an impressive 27-year career with Fred. Olsen.

Speaking of his new appointment, Ridgeon said: “I am delighted to be taking on this exciting new challenge, and I look forward to bringing my 14 years of travel agency experience to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which will stand us in good stead in growing our relationships with the trade.

“Of course, I will be sad to leave Fred. Olsen Travel and GoCruise, where I have enjoyed a long and varied career, but I am thrilled to be joining another thriving part of the Fred. Olsen business.

“I would just like to pay tribute to all my colleagues and managing director, Steve Williams, for their valuable support over the years.”