Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has confirmed the appointment of Geoff Ridgeon as its new head of sales.

Ridgeon, who has been head of cruise at Fred Olsen Travel since 2011, will take up his new role on 7 May. He will report to sales and marketing director Justin Stanton.

Ridgeon said: “I am delighted to be taking on this exciting new challenge and I look forward to bringing my 14 years of travel agency experience to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, which will stand us in good stead in growing our relationships with the trade.”

The former Fred Olsen fleet reception manager will replace Mike Evans, who is retiring after 27 years with the company.

“I know that I have a big role to fulfil with Mike retiring, but he leaves Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in a very strong position,” added Ridgeon.

“I look forward to working with the trade to further develop the understanding of Fred Olsen’s leading ‘closer’ strategy of unrivalled destination experience, exceptional customer service and friendly, smaller ships.”

Stanton added that Ridgeon’s “close links and strong reputation with the travel trade” will help the brand build on its “existing sales success”

“Geoff is well-known within the travel industry and – while we will really feel the loss of Mike moving on – he will be a great addition to our senior management team.”