UK. Leading cruise retailer Harding+ is continuing its recruitment drive with new hires and internal promotions within its buying team.
In a LinkedIn post, the company said, “It’s always busy at Harding+ as we manage the shipboard retail for over 100 different cruise ships globally. As part of that we have been busy hiring and promoting key talent into our buying team, worthy here of celebration and showcasing to our world of connections.”
Luke Thomas has been promoted to Senior Duty Free Buyer. He has served the company for almost ten years, and been a key figure in driving innovation in the assortment.
Keisha Daly takes on a full-time role as Category Manager for Watches. She helped curate the company’s largest multi-brand watch offer onboard P&O Arvia. Harding+ said that she will continue to expand the company’s business with partners such as Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer and Tudor, with multiple ship launches planned for this year.
Daly will also lead a key project, namely the creation of a Harding+ in-house pre-owned watches range. The company said this represents “a hugely important potential part of our business as we increase the range and remit of circular economy sustainable ranges”.
In other moves, Toby Bourne will take on a temporary role as Duty Free Category Manager while Caitlin Allen is on maternity leave. He brings retail buying experience from Waterstone’s, Lagardère Travel Retail and Moonpig.com.
Chloe Wade has been appointed as Beauty and Essentials Buyer. She previously worked for beauty retailer Escentual.com and brings brand relationships and full-service experience from store management, to merchandising, through to buying, noted Harding+.
Claire Brown has joined Harding+ as Senior Logo Buyer. Her experience includes working with Debenhams and Mothercare, as well as previous roles focused on product development and brand building at Dickies and Timberland.
A Harding+ statement said, “We are excited and delighted to welcome them all into new roles, and we look forward to the positive impact they will make on our teams and our cruise and brand partners.” 
