The reason for the sudden departure late last month of Seabourn’s former President, Natalya Leahy has been explained, with the cruise chief revealed as the incoming CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, effective 1 January 2025. Also joining Lindblad Expeditions’ senior ranks is Rick Goldberg, appointed CFO effective 31 December 2024.
“As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted and confident that the leadership of Natalya Leahy as CEO and Rick Goldberg as CFO will represent an energised, talented and experienced partnership, leading the Company into our next phase of growth in the experiential travel space both at sea and on land,” said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and current CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and a member of the Board.Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
“I look very much forward to, along with my fellow Board members, supporting Natalya and Rick to maintain and strengthen our position as the leaders in this rapidly growing sector of the travel industry and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders,” Sven-Olof Lindblad said.
Leahy was until late last month the President of Seabourn. Her exit followed a shake-up of senior executives at Carnival Corporation which saw Mark Tamis named as her successor. At Seabourn, Leahy was responsible for all aspects of the luxury cruise line’s business and operations, leading a global team of more than 4,000 shoreside and seagoing employees. Prior to that, Leahy spent several years serving in various leadership positions at Holland America Group, including Chief Operations Officer (COO) and CFO, respectively. She also served in various leadership roles for global organisations, such as The Procter & Gamble Company, United Nations, and The Coca-Cola Company.
Goldberg currently serves as CFO of Founders Table Restaurant Group, where he has led all aspects of the high-growth, fast-casual restaurant company’s finance, real estate and development, franchising, and customer insights, since 2021.
“We are excited to welcome two exceptional leaders whose experience, drive, skill sets, and values perfectly align with our vision and mission,” said Mark D. Ein, current Chairman of the Board at Lindblad Expeditions.
“Natalya’s extensive background in senior leadership across global travel and iconic brand-focused companies, combined with Rick’s broad experience as a senior finance leader, will bring invaluable perspectives to our team. Their proven success and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in driving operational and financial performance, achieving our ambitious growth objectives, and delivering lasting value to our stakeholders.”
Commenting on her appointment, Leahy said: “I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven organisation like Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and the undisputed expert in adventure travel.”
“Nearly 50 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions created the expedition travel category, serving as a beacon of authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of travel, and Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely creating life-changing experiences for sophisticated travelers eager to explore the Earth’s most extraordinary places in extreme comfort.”
“I’m honoured to join the talented team here and build on Sven’s legacy as we embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Speaking on his appointment as CFO, Goldberg said: “I am thrilled to be joining Lindblad Expeditions… and to be a part of such a revered Company with a deep heritage.”
“With a strong financial foundation and impressive growth trajectory ahead, I look forward to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while creating exceptional guest experiences together with Lindblad Expeditions’ talented leadership team.”
Leahy succeeds Lindblad Expeditions’ Founder, Mr. Lindblad, who will become Founder and Co-Chair of the Board. Ein will become Board Co-Chair as well as Lead Independent Director.
Goldberg succeeds L. Dyson Dryden, who has served as interim CFO since June 2024, and continues his long-standing position as a Board Director.
