Black Cat Cruises appoints new Chief Executive

Black Cat Cruises appoints new Chief Executive

19 August 2014

Paul Milligan has been appointed to the helm of Banks Peninsula based tourism operator Black Cat Cruises.

Milligan will become Black Cat’s newly appointed Chief Executive following 10 years of dedicated service in his latest role as Head of Operations. During his time he has been at the forefront of securing accolades and awards for Black Cat such as their Qualmark Enviro-Gold award and their newly appointed Moss certification (Maritime Operator Safety System, making Black Cat the first Canterbury operator to be awarded this).

‘’Having worked for Black Cat for 10 years, I am honoured to be able to step up to fill what are some rather large shoes. Paul and the rest of the Bingham family have created a world renowned company and now it is my responsibility to ensure we remain at the forefront of eco-tourism in New Zealand’’ Milligan said.

Paul Bingham said ‘’Paul has worked the front line of the business steadily growing his knowledge base across all aspects and is very well equipped to take on the role. I’m lucky enough to work with some very talented individuals and Paul is right up there. I’ve got no doubt he will thrive and be successful in this role’’

Meantime Paul Bingham moves from his existing Managing Director role to become Chairman of the board and will retain his 50% shareholding along with Queenstown based Real Journeys. Over the last 15 years Bingham has grown the company from a local operation in Akaroa to an award winning world class brand with operations in both Lyttelton and Akaroa. Highlights in that time have been winning the Supreme Tourism Award and more recently named by AA as the top nature experience in NZ.

Bingham’s father Ronald, an eco-tourism pioneer, started the company back in 1985 with one boat called the Charmaine. Today they are one of the largest cruise companies in the south island and are internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand Tourism industry Black Cat operate seven vessels across both Lyttelton and Akaroa which include the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises, Dolphin Swimming, Quail Island Ferry and the Diamond Harbour Ferry.

The role changes for both Bingham and Milligan will take place as of October 1st as Black Cat Cruises head into their new financial year.

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