Sue Gosling becomes chief brand and culture officer at Harding

The change in executive responsibility is part of Harding’s growth plans. 

Explained the company’s CEO James Prescott, ‘...Pre-COVID we had achieved all of our five-year business plan objectives, won some significant new contracts and [were] working with our partners in innovative ways driven by our cruise specialism, data and breadth of customer insight.

‘The investment in people, both internally and through smart hires, and strong processes means we continue to elevate our focus on delivering for all our partners and stakeholders, leading the industry in the key areas of brand, sustainability and culture.

‘Having led the marketing and design teams for over five years – during which time we have led the cruise customer insight programme and developed our own digital ‘at sea’ customer experience programme with "Oceantainment" – Sue is the best placed executive to lead this critical role.’

Sue Gosling

Gosling will continue to report to Prescott, with developing the company’s brand identity among her responsibilities. 

Matthew Hodges

From August 1, Hodges takes on responsibility for core marketing and customer insights alongside retail operations and buying/merchandising. He will focus on cruise, brand partner and category strategy using the data and insight programme Harding has developed over the past five years.

Sales stronger than before the pandemic

Harding said it secured a number of significant new contracts in recent months. It now has retail operations on more than 100 ships, with annual revenues exceeding $700m.

Added Prescott, ‘Sales remain significantly stronger than pre-COVID … With cruise line partner-focused, data-led and fully empowered teams who are insightful, disciplined and always going the extra mile, we are better prepared to deliver great results today and in the future.'