Cruise retail operator Harding+ appoints new chief executive

Jeremy Fennell will start the role from October 1, succeeding Chris Matthews who has been with the business since 2023. Matthews will continue working with Harding+ as executive director.

Fennell was most recently group chief operating officer at SSP Group, an operator of food and beverage concessions across airports, rail stations and travel hubs, and was also chief executive of the same business for its continental Europe and Nordics arm.

He also held many senior roles over two decades at Dixons Carphone, including managing director of Carphone Warehouse, where he drove commercial growth and operational transformation.

Matthews joined Harding+ three years ago and in that time has reworked and invested in processes and systems to focus more on selling to guests. Financial performance has since improved and been consistent.

Harding+ chair Mike Coupe said: “This is a well-planned transition process. Chris has strengthened Harding+ considerably and leaves the business well positioned for its next phase of growth. 

“Jeremy brings precisely the skills and experience we need to continue that success, with deep operational expertise in travel concessions, a track record of driving growth at scale, and the international leadership to take Harding+ to its next level.”