Trade body Discover Ferries has promoted Peter Griffiths from vice-chair to chair, and appointed a new vice-chair.
Griffiths, who has been vice-chair since December, is the senior marketing manager for Caledonian MacBrayne, the major operator of passenger and vehicle ferries and ferry services between the mainland of Scotland and 22 islands on Scotland’s west coast.
He has taken over from Nigel Wonnacott, group head of external communications at Brittany Ferries who took on the role in 2020, working with director Abby Penlington.
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Jo Harvey has become the organisation’s new vice-chair. The customer and marketing director at P&O Ferries has a year of experience in the ferry sector and is “keen to showcase the rich experiences ferry travel offers and help the industry grow”, Discover Ferries said.
“I want to thank Nigel for his leadership over the past three years and his continuing commitment as a Discover Ferries member,” said Griffiths.
“During the most challenging times the travel industry has faced, he and Abby have ensured the ferry sector’s voice is heard – a platform I want to build on.
“We are entering an interesting time for the market. Travellers have always sought good value, but sustainability and authentic travel experiences are influencing choices.
“The ferry industry is well positioned to meet these consumer needs and, as chair, I look forward to working alongside Abby, Jo, Nigel and the other members to communicate the joy of ferry travel to new and existing audiences.”
Harvey added: “I am thrilled to be taking on the responsibility of vice-chair at Discovery Ferries.
“I truly believe that providing customers with great experiences on board, whether that be through food, drink, entertainment or just brilliant customer services, will keep them coming back time and time again.
“We really need to remind travellers that ferries are an exceptional way to travel and talk to them about the benefits over other means of transport and I am really looking forward to helping drive this change in mindset during my time as vice-chair.”
Picture, from left: Abby Penlington, Jo Harvey, Peter Griffiths and Nigel Wonnacott