Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), the world-leading marine, cargo and supply chain solutions provider, is embarking on an ambitious plan to develop its cruise business with the appointment of Grant Holmes as Vice President, Cruise Solutions.

Based out of Dubai, this new position will see Grant leading a dedicated focus on cruise business development and activities around the world, leveraging ISS’ global reach with its well-established network of offices.

With over 16 years cruise industry experience, Grant Holmes directed operations at First Choice Cruises from its inception in 1999 and was a Director at Festival Cruises managing global shore excursions, destination services and on board revenue until 2004. He also founded his own cruise consultancy, providing training for cruise line brands, Governments and port authorities as well as advising destinations such as Venezuela, Colombia, Cyprus, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Bahrain on cruise strategy.

Grant will be instrumental in growing ISS’ cruise engagement across the globe, managing key cruise line accounts, streamlining communications, ensuring quality standards, sharing best practice and optimising service delivery to meet the very different demands of each cruise line segment.

ISS will participate in a number of cruise trade events to raise awareness of its plans including a presence at the imminent Seatrade Europe in Hamburg from 9-11 September 2015 as part of the Cruise Arabia initiative and a significant stand at Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale next March (2016).

Michael van Hemert, Chief Operating Officer, Marine Solutions at ISS said: “I’m delighted to entrust Grant with our clear mandate to develop ISS’ cruise business worldwide. We are keen to support our cruise clients in achieving their strategic goals by tailoring the unparalleled service levels and global local expertise that ISS is renowned for to their specific requirements.”