UK. Leading cruise retailer Harding+ today announced the appointment of Jeremy Fennell as Chief Executive Officer from 1 October 2026. He will succeed Chris Matthews, who will continue working with the business as Executive Director, supporting the holding board.
Fennell was most recently Group Chief Operating Officer at travel food & beverage powerhouse SSP Group, having previously served as CEO for Continental Europe and Nordics at the same business.
He earlier spent over two decades at Dixons Carphone, holding senior roles in the UK and internationally, including Managing Director of Carphone Warehouse and leadership of Dixons Travel.
Harding+ Chairman Mike Coupe said, “This is a well-planned transition process. Chris has strengthened Harding+ considerably and leaves the business well positioned for its next phase of growth.
“Jeremy brings precisely the skills and experience we need to continue that success, with deep operational expertise in travel concessions, a track record of driving growth at scale, and the international leadership to take Harding+ to its next level. I am delighted to welcome him, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with both Jeremy and Chris as we move the business forward.”
Fennell said, “I’m delighted to be joining Harding+ as its next Chief Executive Officer. Harding has a unique position in travel retail and a genuinely exciting opportunity ahead.
“The transformation Chris and the team have built has created real momentum – and there is plenty more still to do, which is exactly what makes this such a compelling opportunity.”
Fennell added, “I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues across the business, our cruise line partners, and our brand and supplier partners to deliver even better retail experiences for our guests. I’m excited to play my part in helping write Harding’s next chapter.”
Under Matthews’ leadership since 2023, processes and systems across the fleet have been the focus of heavy investment, with performance improving on a like-for-like basis, and a business entering its next phase with strong commercial momentum, a statement said.
Matthews said, “It’s been a genuine privilege to lead Harding+, and I’m proud of the business I’m handing over: trading is strong, like-for-like growth continues and momentum across the fleet has never been better.
“None of that would have been possible without the Harding+ teams, whose hard work has driven everything we have achieved. I’ve known Jeremy for many years, and he is exactly the calibre of leader the business will benefit from, and I couldn’t ask for a better successor. I’m looking forward to continuing to support Jeremy, the team and our cruise line partners from my new board position.” 🛳️
