Peter Newbould stepped into the CCO role at Harding+, effective 29 January, after returning to the UK following a number of years in the US with WHSmith-owned InMotion.

Cruise retailer Harding+ has named former WHSmith senior executive Peter Newbould as Chief Commercial Officer, TRBusiness can reveal.

As reported, Newbould stepped down from his position as Managing Director and Senior Vice President of the news, books and convenience retailer’s airport electronics and accessories brand InMotion at the end of 2023.

He takes charge of buying, merchandising and marketing functions at the company that counts the likes of Carnival, Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line and P&O among its cruise line partners.

At the same time, Matthew Hodges, previously CCO, takes on the new position of Director of Strategy at the UK-headquartered firm.

Hodges joined the Harding+ Executive Leadership Team as CCO in 2021, bringing decades of experience to the post from his time in high-profile roles with the likes of Diageo, Rémy Cointreau and Godiva.

Harding+ confirmed the appointments when approached by TRBusiness but did not comment further.

The latest developments suggest a management shake up at the cruise retailer, with Chief Brand and Culture Officer Sue Gosling departing in late January.

Matthew Hodges has become Director of Strategy.

James Prescott stood down as Chief Executive Officer in October having served in the position for three years as part of a near decade’s worth of service in the Harding+ leadership team.

He successfully led the cruise company through the challenges of Covid-19 towards new ownership under US hedge fund management firm Davidson Kempner Capital Management.

Prescott was replaced by Chris Matthews, a former CEO of Buzz Bingo and Go Outdoors with an extensive retail background including time spent in senior roles at Currys PLC and Marks and Spencer.

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