Ponant appoints Hall as APAC CEO

PONANT has appointed Chris Hall (pictured) as regional Chief Executive Officer across AsiaPacific to support the line’s growth and expansion in the area.

The long-time APT Travel Group (ATG) executive - who left the business late last year after more than two decades of leadership has been charged with Ponant’s plan to accelerate its range and depth through additional ship deployments in Asia-Pacific, such as the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant, and the line’s newest vessel Le Commandant Charcot.

These two ships will join Le Laperouse and Le Soleal, which have been operating in AsiaPacific for a number of years.

Sarina Bratton will remain as Ponant Asia-Pacific Chair and focus on strategic growth and opportunity, describing Hall 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,” Bratton enthused.

“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.”

Hall added: “with the benefit of a proven operational and sales team in APAC, successfully led by Deb Corbett, I feel confident that we can explore new and different opportunities to enhance our guests’ experiences and bring trade partners even stronger results...from a wider company perspective, the Ponant Group is positioned for successful growth, and I look forward to making a significant contribution.”

Hall will be retained by Ponant as a contractor from next month, before taking up his full-time CEO and Special Advisor role in Feb.

His extensive industry expertise saw him oversee the large ATG portfolio, including the group’s investments in small ship operator Noble Caledonia and river cruise giant AmaWaterways.