Congratulations on your first year as CEO! You’ve worked at ROL Cruise for many years - could you tell our readers a little about your career journey and how you came to this role?
This month marks 16 years since I first joined ROL Cruise as a Sales Consultant. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to progress through a variety of management roles, which gave me a really solid grounding in how different parts of the business work.
In 2018, I was appointed Managing Director, and then, on my 15th anniversary last year, I was honoured to step into the role of CEO.
It’s been quite a journey, and I feel very lucky to have grown my career here. ROL Cruise has always been a company that recognises hard work and commitment, and I think my story shows just how many opportunities there are for people to develop and progress within the business.
What does it mean to you to now be leading the business you’ve been such a big part of for so long?
It’s quite hard to put into words, really. I’m so proud of the company and of all our co-owners, and it’s a real privilege to be able to lead the business.
Having been part of ROL Cruise for so many years, I know how much passion and dedication goes into everything we do, and I don’t take the responsibility of CEO lightly. It’s something I feel grateful for every single day.
ROL Cruise is proud to be the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist. In your view, what makes the company so special?
What makes ROL Cruise so special is, without question, our people.
Our co-owners are our biggest asset, and everything we achieve as a business starts with them. Their knowledge, passion and dedication are what set us apart, and I truly believe that’s the foundation of our success.
Of course, we’re also fortunate to have incredibly loyal customers and fantastic relationships with the world’s leading cruise line, but for me, it all comes back to our co-owners - they really are the heart of ROL Cruise!
You stepped into the role of CEO around the same time ROL Cruise became an Employee Ownership Trust. Can you explain what that means for our co-owners and why it matters?
Becoming employee-owned means our co-owners genuinely feel like business owners themselves. They share directly in the success of the company, which creates a motivated, passionate and proud workforce dedicated to delivering the very best service.
It also means profits are shared among our co-owners, which adds a real feel-good factor - not just for our people, but for our customers too, who know they’re booking with a company where everyone is invested in making their experience the best it can be.
Our readers will be familiar with our Cruise Miles® loyalty programme - how important is it to you that we continue rewarding our customers in this way?
Loyalty should never be taken for granted.
For 30 years, our customers have expected the very best levels of service. And rightly so, because that’s what defines us. When you combine that level of service with our excellent Cruise Miles® loyalty programme, I believe we become unrivalled in the industry.
Just as we reward our co-owners for their loyalty and dedication, it’s only right that we extend the same principle to our customers, who continue to place their trust in us.
What excites you most about the future of ROL Cruise?
ROL Cruise has always been a fantastic company built on solid foundations, but becoming employee-owned has given us a real springboard for even greater success. Our co-owners have always been proud and passionate, and that pride has only grown stronger since the transition.
What excites me most is bringing every co-owner along on this journey. It means we can continue to build on our reputation as the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist, together.
What has the experience been like since you became CEO, and is there a particular moment you’re especially proud of?
I get asked this a lot, and I know many CEOs feel the need to make their mark with big changes straight away.
For me, it’s about building on the strong foundations we already have - continuing to make small improvements, striving to be better, and, above all, maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce that delivers outstanding service and unforgettable cruise holidays for our customers. The office is buzzing with excitement and energy every day, and that’s something I’m really proud of.
If I had to choose one standout moment, it would be when we recently conducted an independent survey with Best Companies. Every one of our co-owners answered anonymously, and the result was incredible - we were awarded a 3-star accreditation, which represents world-class levels of employee engagement. That recognition means so much because it came directly from our people.
You’ve been part of ROL Cruise for 16 years. Do you have a favourite memory from your time here so far?
There have certainly been some ups and downs over the years, but I have to say that announcing we were becoming employee-owned and what this meant for our staff will never be beaten. It was the most emotional memory for me.
We’ve also built a lot of memories at our staff parties (some of them a little hazy!), and our 30th anniversary celebrations this year have definitely added to those good memories.
You must have travelled a lot over the years - do you have a favourite memory from your time here so far?
I’ve been extremely lucky to experience some truly wonderful ships and itineraries during my time with ROL Cruise.
If I had to choose, I’d say South America and the Galápagos Islands stand out as my absolute favourites - both for their incredible landscapes and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences they offer.
When you’re not busy leading the business, what do you enjoy doing?
I have two very energetic boys, aged five and seven, who certainly keep me on my toes!
Outside of family life, I love walking and being outdoors whenever I can, and I enjoy reading too - though that usually has to wait until I can grab a minute’s peace!
