Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has appointed Peter Deer as the new managing director, with effect from 1st September, 2019.
He will replace Mike Rodwell, who will retire from Fred. Olsen on 31st August, 2019, after over 30 years with the company.
Based at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Head Office in Ipswich, Suffolk, Deer (pictured) will take overall responsibility for overseeing and managing the company’s operation, which covers over 220 staff in Ipswich and over 2,000 crew members across the four ship fleet.
Deer joined Fred. Olsen in 1993, as an accountant. He went on to become chief accountant, before taking up a role as financial director of a Kent-based fruit shipping business in 1998. Peter returned to Fred. Olsen in 2004 as Commercial Director.
Speaking of his new role, he said: “We have a first-class team, both ashore and afloat, dedicated to providing fabulous holidays, and I am proud to be leading the Fred. Olsen journey.
“The UK cruise market will continue to grow, as many more people try ‘taster’ cruises for the first time and realise that cruising offers a diverse range of experiences. Fred. Olsen’s friendly, more intimate ships are all about delivering memorable holidays and getting to know our customers by name,” he said.
Fred. Olsen Junior, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Chairman, said: “We are a proud, family-run company that offers a cruise experience like no other, and I am very pleased that Peter Deer will be taking the helm from Mike Rodwell, to continue his legacy and lead our brand.
“Peter has a breadth of knowledge and expertise in the travel and cruise industries, and I look forward to working with him in his new role to take the business to the next level,” he said.
A replacement for Fred. Olsen’s Commercial Director position is being sought, the company explained.
