Global Ports Holding PLC, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has appointed of Mark Robinson as Chief Commercial Officer. Mark will be based in Barcelona, Spain and will report directly to CEO, Emre Sayın.

Mark is a passionate leader who has a vast amount of experience within the cruise and tourism industry. During his 30-year career to date, he has held a variety of senior roles, including Chief Commercial Officer of Portaventura World Parks & Resorts, President of Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services - a company that he founded in 2003, where he oversaw the growth of the business from a one port ground operator to a global service provider, and previously VP of Onboard Revenues & Ground Services at Festival Cruises.

Mark started his earlier career working for two of the world’s leading tour operators, TUI & First Choice Holidays, in various senior management roles. Mark has built up an excellent knowledge of the global cruise business and ports worldwide, both from an operator’s viewpoint and also from a cruise line perspective. He has been an active member of various cruise industry associations and forums globally and was previously the chair of the Associate Member Scheme at CLIA.

Emre Sayin CEO of Global Port holdings said: “I am delighted that Mark will be joining our team at this exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with him as we strive to continually improve the experience of the passengers and the cruise ships in our ports. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience spanning operations, infrastructure and management, and he will help to deliver the development of ancillary services as part of our core strategy.”

Mark Robinson commented: “I am looking forward to be joining Global Port Holdings, a company that I admire, and that has an exciting vision and international growth strategy. It is an exciting proposition to work with the team to grow new and existing ports within the GPH portfolio, with a focus on destination development and strategic opportunities. This will importantly be delivered with the needs of the cruise lines and their guests at front of mind.”