Harding+ Has Won Cruise Retailer Award
The company secured the Cruise Retailer of the Year title as it announced a transition in its executive leadership.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Cruises
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Harding+ received the Cruise Retailer of the Year award at the DFNI Frontier Awards in Cannes. The recognition accompanies the appointment of Jeremy Fennell as the company's new CEO.
Why it matters
The award recognizes the company's recent investments in artificial intelligence and retail modeling. These strategic changes were designed to optimize shipboard operations and increase guest interaction time.
Harding+ has earned the Cruise Retailer of the Year title four times within a five-year period. The firm recently overhauled its internal processes to prioritize direct team engagement with cruise passengers.
The players
Harding+
Harding+ is a retail operator specializing in the cruise industry that manages shipboard shops and guest experiences.
Jeremy Fennell
Jeremy Fennell is the new CEO of Harding+ who previously held leadership roles at SSP Group and spent two decades at Dixons Carphone.
Chris Matthews
Chris Matthews is the former CEO of Harding+ who has transitioned into the role of executive director on the company board.
The details
To improve performance, Harding+ revamped its operating model and integrated advanced AI strategies. These system redesigns aim to reduce administrative burdens, effectively providing shipboard teams more time to focus on guest services.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The award win and executive transition were reported.
Travel Outlook
The annual DFNI Frontier Awards serve as a primary indicator of prestige within the global travel retail sector. Harding+ has consistently outperformed competitors by securing this award four times in five years, signaling a sustained market leadership position.
Cruise passengers can expect to see updated retail processes and potentially improved service availability in onboard shops as the company implements its new AI strategies. These changes are designed to streamline the shopping experience and increase the responsiveness of staff during voyages.
The takeaway
The leadership change and focus on AI strategy highlight the company's push to modernize retail operations in a competitive cruise market. Passengers should look for faster, more personalized service in shipboard boutiques as these new operational models take effect.
Further reading
Explore industry trends and analysis in our Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cruise Industry News.
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