Ponant Explorations Group has named Benoît-Etienne Domenget as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 November 2025, succeeding Hervé Gastinel, who departs to pursue new professional projects. The appointment signals a sharpened focus on international growth, elevated hospitality standards and the Group’s ongoing commitment to responsible cruising.
Backed by 25 years across hospitality, luxury, travel and tourism, Domenget brings a blend of operational depth and strategic expansion experience. A graduate of HEC Paris, he began at Accor in senior development and operational roles including leadership of the Swiss subsidiary and oversight of the DACH budget-hotel portfolio before joining Michel Reybier Hospitality. In 2017 he became CEO of Sommet Education (Glion, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality and Invictus Education), where he led strong international expansion and helped establish the network as a global leader in hospitality and luxury management education.
Welcoming the appointment, François-Henri Pinault said: “I am delighted to welcome Benoît-Etienne Domenget. His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team.” He added: “We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the Group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant.”