PONANT EXPLORATIONS has appointed Nicolas Gronier as Chief Marketing Officer, reinforcing its global growth strategy with the creation of a new marketing organisation focused on customer loyalty, acquisition and commercial partnerships.
New leadership to support growth
Effective from 29 June 2026, Gronier will lead PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ newly established global marketing organisation within the company’s Commercial and Growth division.
His responsibilities include overseeing the Global Brand & Creative Studio, Digital, Marketing Operations, Product Marketing and Marketing Partnerships teams, with a mandate to strengthen marketing effectiveness, deepen customer engagement and support long-term growth.
The appointment forms part of the company’s North Star strategic plan, which is designed to accelerate growth while enhancing the guest experience.
International luxury experience
Gronier brings more than 20 years’ international experience across France and Australia, having worked with premium and luxury brands in retail, hospitality and cultural institutions.
His career includes leading a major brand and digital transformation at the Sydney Opera House before joining Accor, where he spent the past three years leading the global reinvention of the Sofitel brand through a new brand platform and enhanced digital customer experiences.
Supporting the next phase of growth
PONANT EXPLORATIONS Deputy CEO Commercial & Growth Belinda Hindmarsh said the appointment comes at an important stage in the company’s development.
“Nicolas joins PONANT EXPLORATIONS at a pivotal moment in our growth journey. His extensive experience across luxury and hospitality, combined with his strategic approach to marketing and growth, will play a key role in delivering on our ambitions and strengthening the relationships we build with our guests around the world,” Hindmarsh said.
Gronier said he was looking forward to helping further strengthen the PONANT EXPLORATIONS brand while identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth in key markets.
