Industry stalwart Mike Evans to retire from Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen is seeking a new head of sales after Mike Evans announced he is to retire next April after 27 years with the cruise line.
In total Evans has a career spanning more than 40 years in the travel industry, where he has worked in retailing, tour operating, tourist boards and airline sales.
He joined Fred. Olsen in 1992 when it operated only one ship, Black Prince.
"I have decided to retire from Fred. Olsen at the end of April next year, having spent 27 years and a large part of my working life at this company. It is a tough decision to make, but one that I am happy with, as I have a lot of plans to fulfill in my retirement," he said.
"It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with such excellent colleagues, friends and travel trade partners for so long, and I am certain that there is a great future ahead for both the company and the relationships that we have built up over the past 27 years."
MD Mike Rodwell said: "We are very sad to be saying goodbye to such a close colleague as Mike, but of course, we all wish him the best on his retirement, which is very well-deserved.
"With his broad industry experience, extensive knowledge of Fred. Olsen’s unique style of cruising, and excellent reputation with our travel industry partners, Mike has been an absolute asset to the company over the nearly three decades that he has been with us, and he has seen us grow and develop as a major international cruise brand.
"We will all miss Mike a great deal and wish him well in his future adventures, wherever they may take him."
He said Evans’ role as head of sales since 2017 had led to him playing a pivotal part in developing the company’s relationship with the travel trade.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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