Pearl Expeditions has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of seasoned maritime professional Max McGuire as Marine Operations Manager.
The appointment reinforces the boutique expedition cruise operator’s focus on operational excellence as it continues to expand voyages across the Kimberley, Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian archipelago.
Maritime veteran joins expedition specialist
McGuire brings more than three decades of maritime and expedition experience to the role, having worked across every ocean and some of the world’s most remote destinations.
He joins Pearl Expeditions from CSIRO’s Marine National Facility, where he spent 13 years as Voyage Manager and Marine Operations Officer supporting Australia’s oceanographic research vessel, RV Investigator.
During his tenure, McGuire oversaw complex shoreside logistics and operational planning, ensuring seamless coordination between scientific teams, crew and vessel operations across Australian waters.
Extensive expedition experience
Beyond scientific marine operations, McGuire has built an impressive career in expedition travel, working throughout the Arctic, Antarctica, the Pacific Islands, South-East Asia, East Africa and the Kimberley.
His qualifications include an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Master Mariner certification, a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Yachtmaster certificate and PADI Scuba Divemaster accreditation, with more than 6,000 dives logged throughout his career.
Pearl Expeditions General Manager and Head of Sustainability Mick Fogg said the appointment would strengthen the company’s operational capabilities as the brand continues to grow.
“Max is precisely the kind of Marine Operations Manager we’ve been looking for. His combination of remote and complex maritime operations, expedition travel experience, and genuine passion for the ocean is rare, and it aligns perfectly with what Pearl Expeditions stands for,” Fogg said.
“We’re proud to have Max join our leadership team.”
Supporting future growth
McGuire said Pearl Expeditions’ approach to expedition cruising was a key factor in joining the company.
“Pearl Expeditions is building a reputation for doing things the right way – with integrity, with genuine passion for the places they visit, and with real care for the guest experience,” he said.
“That’s exactly the kind of operation I want to be part of, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we’ll achieve together.”
McGuire officially commenced the role on 1 June 2026.
