Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ managing director, Mike Rodwell, is to retire at the end of August 2019, following 15 years in the role and 31 years with the business.
Rodwell has worked in a number of the Fred. Olsen businesses since he joined the group in 1987, with his first role as accountant for its first-ever cruise ship, Black Prince.
He spent four years as financial controller for Fred. Olsen Travel, before a brief period as financial and commercial manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, from September 1994 to November 1995.
Rodwell later became commercial director before being promoted to managing director in 2004.
Rodwell said: “After a great deal of thought, I have taken the decision to retire at the end of August 2019, shortly after my 60th birthday. It has certainly not been an easy decision, and one that I have not taken lightly.
“I would like to thank all of the many people whom, perhaps without even realising, have made my long career with Fred. Olsen such an enjoyable one. I will look back at those 30 plus years with immense pride at all we have achieved together, and I know I will miss it.”
Fred. Olsen Jnr, Chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Mike has been an integral part of the success of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for the last 30 years. In his time as Managing Director, he has been key in developing our unique style of cruising, which has placed us in such a strong position for the future growth of the business.
“Having worked very closely with Mike over the years, I will miss his wise counsel and good humour. Everyone at Fred. Olsen wishes him the very best for the next stage of his life.”
The process to appoint a new managing director is currently under way.m