ROL Cruise has embarked on a new journey as an Employee Ownership Trust, granting staff a significant stake in the company.
- Entering their 30th anniversary, ROL Cruise marks a pivotal change by shifting to employee ownership.
- Rosie Cairns has been appointed CEO, signaling a strong leadership direction.
- Sarah Wikevand continues her role, enhancing strategic partnerships.
- Former chair, Jez Dickinson, joins the Board of the Corporate Trustee.
ROL Cruise has taken a significant step in its corporate evolution by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), handing a majority stake of the company to its employees. This transition comes as a strategic move as the company nears its 30th anniversary in 2025. The decision is seen as a commitment to securing the company’s future while maintaining its distinct business culture and ethos. The transition aims to deliver long-term stability and independence, creating new employment opportunities and fostering an engaged and motivated workforce.
With the shift to the EOT model, ROL Cruise has appointed Rosie Cairns as the new Chief Executive Officer. Cairns, previously joint managing director, is tasked with steering the company through this transformative phase. Her appointment reflects a deliberate choice to combine continuity with fresh leadership vision.
Sarah Wikevand remains in her position as Managing Director, where she will continue to concentrate on building and fortifying key relationships with commercial partners. Her enduring presence in this role ensures that the company retains a focus on strategic collaborations that are vital for sustaining growth and innovation in the competitive cruise industry.
Former chair, Jez Dickinson, who has had an illustrious 20-year career leading ROL Cruise, transitions to a new role on the Board of the Corporate Trustee. Dickinson sees this move to employee ownership as a perfect opportunity to pass leadership to a new generation, while remaining engaged in the company’s governance.
Currently based in Colchester, Essex, the company prides itself on its impressive staff retention rate of 98%, with the average employee tenure exceeding seven years. Over half of its 138 employees have been with the firm for more than five years, and 34% for a decade or longer, showcasing a loyal and dedicated workforce. Jez Dickinson expressed his delight in leaving a lasting legacy and empowering the employees as the company adopts this new structure.
The transition of ROL Cruise to employee ownership marks an exciting new chapter, underpinned by stability and a focus on empowering its team.
