Ponant Explorations Group has named Benoit-Etienne Domenget CEO, effective Nov. 3. He takes over from Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving the company.
Benoit-Etienne Domenget
With 25 years of experience in hospitality, luxury, travel and tourism, Domenget will have the mission to continue Ponant's international development.
Domenget began his career with Accor Group, holding various operational roles before being appointed senior vice president of development for the EMEA region. He later led Accor’s Swiss subsidiary and managed the low-cost hotel business across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Domenget then joined Michel Reybier Hospitality, a group owning prestigious hotels and vineyards, before being appointed CEO of Sommet Education, a provider of hospitality management education.
Gastinel had led Ponant since 2021. Under his leadership, Ponant's fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships and the company acquired Aqua Expeditions earlier this year.