Phil Hullah to step down as Riviera Travel CEO in January
Riviera Travel has appointed Matt Luscombe as its new CEO after Phil Hullah confirmed he will be stepping down from the role in the new yearÂ
Hullah will continue to support Luscombe during the first part of 2026 and will remain a “significant” shareholder in the business thereafter.
Taking up the new role on 1 January 2026, Luscombe brings a wealth of leadership experience across the travel, leisure and retail sectors, most recently as CEO of Freemans Event Partners.
Previously, he was CEO at Cycas Hospitality and also spent ten years with InterContinental Hotels Group, most recently as chief commercial officer for Europe and North Africa.
Andrew Strong, chair of Riviera, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt as Riviera Travel’s new CEO. His proven ability to deliver growth and innovate across the leisure and hospitality sectors positions him perfectly to lead Riviera into its next chapter.
“The board is confident that Matt’s strategic vision will unlock new opportunities and strengthen our market leadership. I also want to thank Phil for his outstanding contribution.
“Since joining Riviera in 2019, Phil has guided the business through the unprecedented disruption of Covid and driven its resurgence as the UK’s leading river cruise and escorted tours operator.”
Luscombe said Riviera is entering a “pivotal moment” as it continues to expand across its product lines. “I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid in recent years and driving the next phase of Riviera’s growth and success,” he added.
Hullah said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to lead Riviera. I am profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff and senior leadership team for their unwavering commitment, and to our loyal customers and channel partners for the trust they place in us year after year.
“Riviera is in a great position, and I am confident the business will continue to reach new heights under Matt’s leadership.”
The announcement comes after the river cruise operator confirmed an order for two new Radiance class vessels, set to debut in 2027 and 2028.
