Nathan Philpot has been appointed as the new head of sales & marketing at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

He replaces Nigel Lingard, who retires at the end of November 2011.

Philpot previously worked as sales and marketing director for Page & Moy and has also been managing director for Elegant Resorts, director of WEXAS and head of marketing for Kuoni.

He will join Fred Olsen on October 3rd, allowing for a two-month handover period.

Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred Olsen, said: “We are delighted to have found such a worthy candidate to fill this crucial role, which has been held for so long, and with such expertise and panache, by Nigel Lingard. 

“Nathan’s extensive experience in senior sales and marketing roles, within prestigious areas of the travel industry, means he is ideally qualified to take on this key position. 

“This is a time of growth, but also of great challenges for the cruise industry, and I am confident that Nathan will make a significant contribution to the development of our company.”