With effect from November 3, 2025, Benoit-Etienne Domenget will be the new Chief Executive Officer of Ponant Explorations Group, a company known for its luxurious cruise services. Benoit-Etienne Domenget Duke of Gastinel, who was at the helm for the first of the four acquisitions and the subsequent increase to a current fleet size of twenty from twelve, having served from twenty twenty-one, will now be taking over his role. He is brought on to help understand the trans-formative hospitality experience that Domenget’s case has predicted and capture new opportunities on his behalf for global travellers wishing to traverse from the South East of Asia to the South of Australia, or even farther South to the frigid shores of Antarctica.
Ponant’s decision to bring Benoit-Etienne Domenget on board comes at a pivotal time for the cruise line, known for delivering extraordinary journeys to far-flung destinations including the dramatic coasts of Ushuaia, the vibrant harbours of Sydney, and the cosmopolitan allure of Paris. The company, celebrated for its uniquely French approach to luxury sailing, is poised for further global expansion under Domenget’s direction, continuing a trajectory of growth initiated by Gastinel’s tenure.​
Domenget assumes the helm with a wealth of experience spanning 25 years across hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism sectors. His mission will be to drive Ponant’s international development, enhancing the brand’s footprint on routes that entice discerning travellers.​
Domenget’s career highlights indicate an operational prowess and strategic vision perfectly aligned with Ponant’s ethos. He made his professional mark at the Accor Group, undertaking roles from hands-on operational management to senior vice president of development for EMEA. His stewardship extended to overseeing Accor’s Swiss subsidiary and managing the value-driven budget segment across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.​
Following Accor, Domenget transitioned to Michel Reybier Hospitality, a portfolio encompassing esteemed hotels and vineyards, before ascending as CEO of Sommet Education, renowned for cultivating global hospitality management talent. This blend of industry insights and business acumen is anticipated to inject Ponant with innovative strategies that further refine its guest experience and expand its destination offerings.​
Industry experts suggest that Domenget’s appointment heralds fresh adventures for Ponant passengers. There is an expectation of heightened service standards, new routes, and tailored experiences showcasing regions such as the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, and polar frontiers. The cruise line’s commitment to sustainable exploration, including its eco-friendly ship designs may gain fresh investment, enabling guests to witness spectacular wildlife and storied cultures with heightened comfort and environmental sensitivity.​
Travellers can anticipate immersive shore excursions, curated local collaborations, and new thematic voyages, with a focus on authentic discovery and enriching connections. Comments from travel specialists, though offered indirectly, convey optimism about Domenget’s background fostering partnerships and guest-centric innovation, benefitting adventure seekers and leisure travellers alike.​
Ponant’s recent moves, especially the acquisition of Aqua Expeditions, indicate a strategy focused on not just geographical reach but also experiential diversity. Under Domenget’s leadership, the company is expected to further penetrate markets in Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, providing passengers with access to unique, unexplored routes seasoned with local expertise and luxury standards.​
With Gastinel’s legacy as a springboard, Domenget is tasked with making Ponant synonymous not just with luxury but experiential travel, a philosophy reflected on the company’s official site, which highlights its commitment to curiosity-driven voyages and responsible tourism.​
For passengers dreaming of traversing glacial waters near Ushuaia or exploring the cultural vibrancy of Sydney and Paris, Ponant’s CEO transition marks the dawn of unrivalled opportunity and anticipation. Domenget brings a refreshing dynamism rooted in rich industry experience and a vision for inclusive global growth. Holidaymakers and seasoned adventurers will be watching closely, as new itineraries and innovations set sail in the coming chapters of Ponant’s story.
There hopes the new era to incorporate deeper connections to the destinations while ensuring the Ponant Luxury in every port. Travellers will be able to appreciate new aspects into every new adventure Ponant offers and will be able to experience the holidays unlike any other, courtesy to the French refinement, from the year 2026 and beyond.
