After more than 10 years in the business, James Prescott, CEO of global cruise retail specialist Harding+ today announced he is standing down.

Prescott has spent the past decade as part of the retailer’s leadership team, the past  three of which have been as CEO. His decision comes after having led the business through the pandemic and the new era of ownership with Davidson Kempner, and reaching the first year anniversary of the retailers’ transformation into Harding+.

Speaking today he said: “It’s been an absolute privilege, and an honour to have led the business and worked with  inspiring teams, partners and colleagues, particularly in the post Covid recovery ‘unknown’. 2023 has been a year of big change for me personally and, combined with the 10 year landmark anniversary at Harding+, it felt the right time to hand over the reins. This is a  big change for the business, and for me, but  it is time for someone with fresh energy to take the business to even greater heights. I’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every person who made this last 10 years so enjoyable and memorable. We achieved great things together, and I know the future will be even brighter.”

Stepping into the CEO role is retail and private equity expert Chris Matthews, who said: “I am delighted to be joining Harding+ at such a pivotal time when the cruise industry has an incredibly positive future ahead.  I am looking foward to building on the heritage and leadership positions that have been created and spending time with colleagues throughout the business in the coming weeks as we plan for a successful 2024 and beyond.”

He joins the business on 16 October and brings long term experience in the retail sector to the role, from both the UK and wider international markets, holding CEO positions most recently at the UK’s largest omni-channel bingo operator, Buzz Bingo, and outdoor specialist Go Outdoors. His earlier career also included senior roles at Currys PLC, leading businesses across Greece and the Nordics, and Marks and Spencer.

Harding+ Non-Executive Chairman Mike Coupe added:  “All those who work or who have worked with James know his deep knowledge and passion for Cruise Retail, and we thank him for all that he has brought to the business and our teams. We are delighted that Chris as his successor will be able to build upon the strong foundations created by James, and the tireless commitment that he has given to our business for over a decade.  Chris shares the same values as us, and has developed strong partnership driven relationships that ensure the focus is on the highest quality offering for customers. And he understands the retail dynamic and commercial drivers at the heart of that as an experienced business leader. The Harding+ ambitions remain bold, and ‘making every cruise better’ as the brand purpose remains at the heart of the business, as we push forward with the + agenda very much at the core of all we do.”