French-based luxury cruise operator Ponant has appointed Australian
travel veteran Chris Hall as its special adviser and CEO for Asia
Pacific to further drive growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.
According to Sarina Bratton AM, Ponant’s Asia Pacific chair, Chris is
regarded as an experienced leader in the global tour operating, river
cruise, expeditions and distribution space.
“Via PONANT’s ‘Explore to Inspire’ Global Strategic plan, Chris will
bring an additional level of experience to our International Executive
Committee and global operations. As a regional team, we have established
a strong foundation to expand and Chris’ appointment will further
enhance our ability to provide our guests with even more luxury
exploration and expedition experiences,” she said.
Ponant is set to entrench itself in the APAC region and foster deeper
relationships with travel partners. The company plans to widen their
range and depth by deploying more ships to Asia Pacific, including
Ponant’s iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant and the company’s
newest vessel —the Le Commandant Charcot — that is being touted as ‘the
world’s only luxury Icebreaker’.
These two vessels will join Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal which have been operating in APAC for several years.
Speaking about his new appointment with Ponant, Hall feels confident
that “we can explore new and different opportunities to enhance our
guests’ experiences and bring trade partners even stronger results”
given “the benefit of a proven operational and sales team in APAC,
successfully led by Deb Corbett.”
“From a wider company perspective, The Ponant Group is positioned for
successful growth, and I look forward to making a significant
contribution.”
Prior to joining Ponant, Hall worked for Australian Pacific Holdings
(APH), the parent company of APT Travel Group, for more than 20 years,
which included a six-year stint as CEO of APT Travel Group and most
recently group managing director for APH.
Hall will officially assume his full-time position with Ponant
starting 1 February 2023. Between October 2022 till then, he will be
welcomed to Ponant as a contractor.