PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has appointed Benoit-Etienne Domenget as Group CEO, effective 3 November, taking the reins from Hervé Gastinel who has been in the role since 2021.

Most recently CEO at hospitality education provider Sommet Education, Domenget has 25 years of experience in the hospitality, luxury, travel and tourism sectors.

“His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team,” Artemis Founder François-Henri Pinault said.

“We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the Group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant.”

Meanwhile, Domenget thanked Artemis and Pinault for their trust, describing his appointment as an “honour”.

“With PONANT’s unique maritime savoir-faire and a deep commitment to responsible travel, we will keep elevating hospitality excellence and accelerating the Group international development, together with our crews, partners and guests,” he said.