Former Seabourn president Natalya Leahy will join Lindblad Expeditions as chief executive on January 1.
Leahy will replace company founder Sven-Olof Lindblad, who will become co-chair of the expedition cruise line’s board of directors.
Lindblad has also appointed Rick Goldberg as chief financial officer, succeeding L. Dyson Dryden who has served in an interim position since June 2024 and will continue as a board director.
Prior to Seabourn, Leahy held leadership positions at Holland America Group, including chief operations and chief financial officer, and previously worked at Procter & Gamble, the United Nations and The Coca-Cola Company.
Goldberg, who was most recently chief financial officer for Founders Table Restaurant Group, will start in his new role on December 31.
Lindblad said: “As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted and confident that the leadership of Natalya Leahy as chief executive and Rick Goldberg as chief financial officer will represent an energised, talented and experienced partnership, leading the company into our next phase of growth in the experiential travel space both at sea and on land.
“I very much look forward to supporting Natalya and Rick to maintain and strengthen our position as the leaders in this rapidly growing sector of the travel industry and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders.”
Leahy added: “I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven organisation like Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and the undisputed expert in adventure travel.
“Nearly 50 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions created the expedition travel category, serving as a beacon of authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of travel, and Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely creating life-changing experiences for sophisticated travellers eager to explore the earth’s most extraordinary places in extreme comfort.”
Goldberg said: “With a strong financial foundation and impressive growth trajectory ahead, I look forward to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while creating exceptional guest experiences together with Lindblad Expeditions’ talented leadership team.”