UK. Leading global cruise retail specialist Harding+ has named a new Chief Commercial Officer and Chief People Officer amid changes to the Executive Leadership team. The company has also expanded the roles of other senior team members as part of the Customer Transformation Programme introduced by CEO Chris Matthews, who joined the business in October 2023.
Linzi Walker recently joined the business as interim Chief Commercial Officer, after spending four years at kitchen and joinery supplier Howdens, 12 years at Sainsbury’s/Argos, and 18 months at Holland & Barrett. She replaces previous interim CCO Peter Newbould.
Mark Powell joins on 15 July as Chief People Officer (CPO). Powell has extensive retail experience as both a permanent and interim CPO at Fat Face, Poundland, Prezzo, RAC and Saga Group, among others.
Long-serving Chief Operating Officer Mark Birnie, who most recently managed Supply Chain and Logistics, has taken on direct responsibility for Operations. This, said Harding+, brings him back into core contact on a day-to-day basis with cruise partners, onboard teams and the in-store execution of all live retail plans.
Of Linzi Walker’s appointment, Chris Matthews said: “Linzi brings strong experience from a fast-paced retail commercial world, and a positive trade partnerships mentality and track record that is so key to our business too. I’m pleased that we can leverage the value she will bring from holding senior commercial roles at leading FTSE100 businesses and clear sector market leaders to our world of cruise opportunities. Many thanks to Peter for his sterling work in the last six months and we wish him the best in his next role.”
Mark Powell said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for me to work with some amazing talent in a market-leading business. It’s a chance for me to bring my own experience in growth and transformation to the journey ahead, where I can combine my passions for retail, travel and hospitality in shaping and delivering the people strategy.”
The changes represent part of a broader plan by Harding+ to extend its reach in line with the growth of the cruise retail industry. These senior appointments are supported by promotions within departments and across key categories.
Matthews added: “Making every cruise better as our mission has to start with the guest experience. Which for us comes from harnessing our specialist value, experienced thinking and strong data-led decision making. The senior team members who have joined us, or who have taken on new remits of responsibility, bring levels of input, insight and value that will help us continue to build our differential in that goal to delight customers.
“Our Customer Transformation Programme is not a project, but an everyday upweighting of our already strong working culture to help increase efficiency, retail best practice and simplification where it is needed. Without ever losing sight of creativity and our desire to turn heads with beautiful and engaging stores, activations, and partnerships.
“Our ambitions remain bold, and this team, together with each and every member of our landside and shipboard community, are empowered to collaborate and help us get there.” ✈
