PONANT has announced the promotion of Deb Corbett to the position of Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, amid a number of changes within the regional team. Corbett has been with PONANT for seven years, most recently as General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Asia Pacific. With 30 years industry experience, PONANT says Corbett is well positioned to take on the key leadership role in APAC.
In her new role, Corbett will be ably assisted by the experienced PONANT management team which includes Maxime Farrenq who has been appointed Chief Operating Officer; Julie Rogers, Director of Sales and whose sales portfolio has been expanded to include Japan and Hong Kong; David Marionneau who is taking on the new role of Director of Maritime Operations; Charles Boutet, Director of Marketing & Communications; Mick Fogg, Director of Expedition & Destination Development; and Helene Delgado, Customer Engagement Director.
Sarina Bratton, in her role as Global Senior Strategic Advisor and Honorary Chairwoman, will continue to advise the APAC team with a focus on developing the PASPALEY PEARL by PONANT business and start-up operations.
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Corbett and the team will manage the overall PONANT Group business, reporting to Belinda Hindmarsh, Deputy CEO Global Business.
Bratton said: “PONANT is fortunate to have such high calibre executives to manage the APAC region and it is with great delight that Deb Corbett is appointed to the CEO role. Her business experience, professionalism, and industry knowledge will ensure our growth plans are in good hands.”
Last week, Corbett was also elected to the CLIA Australasia Executive Committee.The CEO APAC position has become available following the decision by Chris Hall to leave the company at the end of June. Hall, who commenced in the role in February 2023 and held the joint title of Special Advisor, has been based in the PONANT Headquarters in Marseille since October 2023 in his capacity as Special Advisor. He leaves the company to spend time in Europe and will return to Australia in October.
“Chris has been instrumental in the transformation of the business as we focus on our growth across multiple markets, with a priority given to technology, distribution and product development. I wish Chris all the best in his future endeavours,” Hindmarsh commented.
Lead image: Pictured at PONANT’s headquarters in Marseille last week, from left are: Charles Boutet, Deb Corbett, Mick Fogg, Julie Rogers and Maxime Farrenq.
