Imagine Cruising has appointed Tony Roberts as its new CEO, with founder and group CEO Robin Deller continuing in his role as chair until the summer

The appointment is part of a planned transition within the company’s overall strategic growth plan. After a handover to Roberts between January and March, Deller, and his co-founder and trading director Natalie Maye, will focus on consolidating the company’s presence in the USA. They will both leave the business in the summer.

Roberts, who is the former chair of CLIA’s Executive Board, brings more than 25 years’ experience to the role, with tenures as CCO at Warner Hotels, VP global commercial operations and guest services and head of UK and Europe at Seabourn and VP and MD, UK and Europe for Princess Cruises.

Deller said: “I’m delighted to hand over to Tony, who has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside since he joined us last year as CCO. He is a strategic and creative leader with a strong record of delivering results, well versed in implementing change, and supporting all functions of a business from brand and marketing, right through to customer and operations.

“With an established leadership team beside him, I’m excited to watch from afar and cheer on the team as they go on to achieve even more. The last 15 years since founding the business have been an incredible ride.”

He continued: “Not only have we delivered my vision in terms of growth and global expansion, but we have done so by creating multiple memories with a dedicated and talented team, not to mention navigating a global pandemic. We have launched first to market experiences that will forever be professional and personal highlights for me, and I am proud of everyone involved in Imagine Cruising’s success to date.”

Tony Roberts said: “I’m incredibly grateful for Robin’s support and confidence, and for the warm welcome I have received from the team. I’m really looking forward to heading up the senior leadership group, sharing my experience in cruise and travel, and steering the business towards many more commercial and brand milestones in the years ahead.”