Sarina Bratton’s contract with Ponant comes to an end

Sarina Bratton’s contract as senior strategic advisor to Ponant’s CEO has concluded.

Bratton, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the cruise industry, has had a remarkable career.

CLIA Australasia founder

In 1995, when she was VP and GM Asia Pacific for Cunard, she launched what was then the International Cruise Council Australasia, now Cruise Lines International Association Australasia.

She is now in its Hall of Fame.

She went on to launch Norwegian Capricorn Line and Orion Expedition Cruises.

Ponant’s Australasia chair

In 2013 she joined Marseilles-based Compagnie du Ponant as Australasian chairman and opened the company’s office in Australia.

‘There are very few entrepreneurs and founders of cruise companies in this world, so Sarina and I are kindred spirits,’ the company’s founder Jean-Emmanuel Sauvee said at the time.

In 2023 Bratton was given the role of senior strategic advisor and honorary chairwoman Asia Pacific.

Genuine pioneer

CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz said Bratton ‘is a genuine pioneer of cruising in this part of the world.’

Deb Corbett, CEO Asia Pacific for Ponant said Bratton has transformed the company into a leader in the luxury expedition sector.

‘From starting with a blank slate and three ships, Sarina guided the APAC region’s growth to contribute 20% global revenue,’ Corbett said.

Related:CLIA Australasia pioneer Sarina Bratton steps down from board