McLaughlin, who took up his current position in January 2014, has worked for Sarina Bratton, Ponant’s chairman Asia Pacific, since she launched Orion Expedition Cruises in Sydney in 2004.
Bratton said McLaughlin’s replacement will have the newly-created title commercial director Asia Pacific. He or she will report directly to Monique Ponfoort, vp Asia Pacific and will be responsible for sales planning and development, distribution, marketing and the leadership of the sales teams located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Shanghai.
Bratton said Ponant’s construction of a further four 180-passenger luxury expedition ships for delivery in 2018 and 2019 will see a greater emphasis on the APAC region, both as a source market and a growing area of operation.
‘This requires not only an increase in staff but an up-skilling of the leadership team throughout the region,’ she said.
‘We have incredible opportunities ahead of us and I am personally so proud of what we have achieved to date and the importance of the APAC region in our global development plans.’
Bratton said McLaughlin’s replacement will be announced in a few weeks.
He was not immediately available to comment on his plans.
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