Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort is to leave the expedition cruise line.

Ponfoort joined the operator in 2020, telling Cruise Trade News shortly after that her and team would look to “reaffirm our purpose, prioritise our trade partners and importantly our guests and their expectations”.

During her time as CEO, Ponfoort helped launch Aurora’s Sustainability in Action programme and developed industry partnerships with Virtuoso and Qantas.

She also oversaw the line’s return to cruising in Antarctica in January 2022.

Ponfoort will stay with the business to assist it through a transitional period. 

In a statement, Ponfoort said: “Given our strong position, the talented teams driving our plans forward, and our successful return to operations, I feel that now is the best time to announce my plans to step away to pursue a new challenge.

“I have achieved the goals I had set out for Aurora Expeditions when I joined the business in 2020, and I am confident that the company is well positioned to continue its growth.

“Personally, I am excited and ready for a new challenge, and I wish the Aurora team every success for the future. I will very much miss working with such a talented and passionate team and highly valued trade partners.”

Aurora Expeditions chairman Neville Buch added: “We wish to personally thank Monique for her valued contribution and leadership of Aurora Expeditions during this difficult time and getting us back to what we do best – extraordinary expeditions – as well as helping us prepare for the imminent launch of our second expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle.”