Lindblad taps Caitlin Gardner as VP brand and communicationsLindblad taps Caitlin Gardner as VP brand and communications

She will lead external communications and consumer marketing efforts, including print and direct mail, creative services, earned media and media relations, crisis communications, brand initiatives and more.

Gardner also will be integral to the long-term extension and expansion of Lindblad's strategic relationship with National Geographic.

'Caitlin's extensive experience in the travel industry and her demonstrated history of achievements make her the right candidate to spearhead our brand efforts as we engage expedition enthusiasts and court new-to-brand adventurers,' said Noah Brodsky, chief commercial officer, Lindblad Expeditions.

Eight years at Cruise Planners

Gardner spent eight years at Cruise Planners leading communications and digital strategy efforts for the nation’s largest home-based travel advisor franchise. Before that, she worked at public relations and advertising agencies specializing in hospitality, destination, restaurant, retail and resort PR. Most recently she was with SpartanNash, a Fortune 500 retail grocery company based in the Midwest.

Gardner said she looks forward to building on Lindblad's 'distinguished legacy, the educational travel expertise of National Geographic and the marketing and sales savvy of The Walt Disney Company to inspire generations of new explorers across the globe.'

 Follows Kathi Riddle's addition

Gardner’s appointment follows the addition of former Walt Disney Co. executive Kathi Riddle, who joined Lindblad as SVP sales and revenue management, in late 2023.

Riddle was a key player in Disney' acquisition of National Geographic and worked closely with the team at National Geographic Expeditions and 21st Century Fox on the integration. She also led revenue management and analytics in Asia for several years, working with Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort.