Riviera Travel appoints events and hospitality veteran as chief executive

Riviera Travel has appointed Matt Luscombe as chief executive, succeeding Phil Hullah, who will step down from January 1, 2026.

 

The tours and cruise specialist said Hullah will continue to support Luscombe during the first part of 2026 “to ensure a seamless transition and will remain a significant shareholder in the business thereafter”. 

 

Luscome brings leadership experience from across the travel, leisure and retail sectors.

 

Most recently, as chief executive of Freemans Event Partners, he expanded its multi-service event solutions to serve more than 15 million people annually at more than 600 events across the UK and Europe.

 

Previously, Matt was chief executive at Cycas Hospitality, one of Europe’s largest and most diverse hotel management companies.

 

Under his leadership, the business quadrupled in size, expanding operations into 11 new countries, with a team of more than 2,000 people.

 

He also spent 10 years with InterContinental Hotels Group, most recently as chief commercial officer for Europe & North Africa.

 

Luscombe holds degrees in Economics and Management Studies from the University of Cambridge and is a former medal-winning international rowing coach.

 

Andrew Strong, chairman of Riviera, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt as Riviera Travel’s new CEO. His proven ability to deliver growth and innovate across the leisure and hospitality sectors positions him perfectly to lead Riviera into its next chapter.

 

“The board is confident that Matt’s strategic vision will unlock new opportunities and strengthen our market leadership. 

 

“I also want to thank Phil for his outstanding contribution. Since joining Riviera in 2019, Phil has guided the business through the unprecedented disruption of Covid and driven its resurgence as the UK’s leading river cruise and escorted tours operator.

 

“Under his stewardship, we have modernised the business, achieved record financial performance, introduced new products such as Signature and Solos, expanded into the United States, won a plethora of industry awards, and further strengthened our reputation for exceptional customer service.”

 

Luscombe said: “I am truly honoured to be taking on the role of CEO and excited to work alongside Riviera’s exceptional team of passionate professionals. This is a pivotal moment for the business as we continue to expand across all product lines and elevate the customer experience even further.

 

“I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid in recent years and driving the next phase of Riviera’s growth and success.”

 

Hullah added: “It’s been an incredible privilege to lead Riviera. I am profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff and senior leadership team for their unwavering commitment, and to our loyal customers and channel partners for the trust they place in us year after year.

 

“Riviera is in a great position, and I am confident the business will continue to reach new heights under Matt’s leadership.”