The former chief executive of P&O Cruises and Cunard parent Carnival UK has joined Greek line Celestyal Cruises.
David Noyes becomes non-executive chairman following “major investment” from global private investment firm Searchlight Capital Partners.
The undisclosed capital injection will strengthen Celestyal Cruises’ evolution and growth strategy, including plans to renew and expand its fleet.
Noyes has more than 35 years of travel industry experience to the role having worked extensively in aviation, travel management and cruise. He currently serves as non-executive chairman of sports equipment firm Grays of Cambridge (International) and as a non-executive Director at Network Rail and Luton airport. He also sits on the corporate advisory board for Teenage Cancer Trust.
In his new role, Noyes will provide leadership to the Celestyal Cruises’ board as well as guidance and support to its executive team, led by chief executive Chris Theophilides.
Noyes said: “I am excited to join Celestyal Cruises and look forward to working closely with Chris and his team as we welcome back our guests this spring.
“With the backing of Searchlight Capital, this is an exciting time to be joining the Celestyal team, as we look to build upon the brand’s position as the leading cruise operator in the eastern Mediterranean offering our uniquely authentic, award winning service and personalized experiences to our guests from around the world.”
Theophilides added: “We are delighted that David has joined the board as chairman and I am confident that his experience and profound knowledge of travel and cruise in particular, will prove invaluable as we work towards our strategic goals of growth and fleet renewal.”