PONANT Chairman for Asia Pacific, Sarina Bratton, last week hosted a farewell lunch for the luxury cruise company’s long-serving Public Relations Manager, Michael Corbett who will be retiring at the end of this month.
Bratton acknowledged Corbett’s long-term affiliation with PONANT, and his 52-odd years in advertising and public relations.
“Having worked together over the last 24 years, Michael has decided that the time has come to take a well-earned breather,” Bratton said.
“The relaxed beach life at Killcare has finally won him over. So, after a long career specialising in travel and tourism, originally managing numerous airlines’ advertising requirements and then more recently with me at Orion Expedition Cruises and currently, Ponant, looking after our PR needs in Australia and New Zealand, the deadlines are to be put aside, replaced with less time-critical pastimes.”
“Michael has been part of the Orion and PONANT families in both instances since the day-one startups and has made valuable contributions to our success. We will miss him on both a professional and personal level and wish him all the very best.”
As PONANT farewells Corbett in his day-to-day role, the cruise line confirmed the appointment of Sydney-based communications agency Élysée Collective, headed by Alice Moore, for its media and public relations in Australia and New Zealand, effective 1 July 2021.
“The existing range of prestige luxury brands handled by the Élysée team indicates a strong understanding of our existing clients – consumer and trade – and a strong synergy between our companies that fits well with us. Welcome to Alice and her team,” continued Bratton.
Corbett’s farewell lunch was held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on Wednesday 16 June 2021. He will continue to work with the French ultra-luxury cruise line across a number of special projects.
Lead image: Michael Corbett in the Kimberley
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