Lindblad Expeditions Welcomes New Leadership with Natalya Leahy as CEO and Rick Goldberg as CFO

Major Leadership Changes at Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., recognized as a leader within the global expedition cruise sector, has announced pivotal executive appointments that are set to guide the company into its next growth phase. Starting January 1, 2025, Natalya Leahy will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Rick Goldberg will join as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on December 31, 2024. This strategic shift comes as the company prepares to celebrate its 46th year in the industry.

Strengthening the Executive Team

The founder of Lindblad Expeditions, Sven-Olof Lindblad, will transition from his role as CEO to become Co-Chair of the Board, ensuring the continuity of leadership while focusing on supporting Leahy and Goldberg. Lindblad expressed his enthusiasm, stating he is confident that the partnership between Leahy and Goldberg will empower the company to enhance its position in the rapidly growing experiential travel market.

Natalya Leahy arrives with an extensive background in luxury cruise operations. Previously, she served as President of Seabourn, leading a global team of over 4,000 employees in delivering premium customer experiences. Her previous roles also include Chief Operations Officer and CFO at Holland America Group, demonstrating a mix of operational and financial expertise that is vital for driving Lindblad's future initiatives.

Rick Goldberg, who held the position of CFO at Founders Table Restaurant Group, brings valuable experience in finance and development to his new role. Before that, he was CFO at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., a well-established entity in the tax preparation industry. His comprehensive financial acumen will be critical in managing the fiscal responsibilities of Lindblad as it continues to grow and expand its offerings.

Vision for the Future

Leahy expressed her excitement about joining Lindblad Expeditions, a company that pioneered expedition cruising nearly half a century ago. She stated, “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.” Her vision aligns with Lindblad's commitment to delivering authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration experiences.

Goldberg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to the revered company’s legacy while ensuring long-term shareholder value. He mentioned that with a robust financial foundation and a growth-oriented strategy, he anticipates creating exceptional guest experiences alongside the leadership team.

A Legacy of Adventure

Lindblad Expeditions is known for its passion for exploration and commitment to environmental stewardship. The company offers a diverse range of expedition experiences across all seven continents through its various brands. Notably, in partnership with National Geographic, it operates voyages that allow guests to interact closely with renowned scientists and naturalists, providing a unique, educational travel experience.

As Lindblad Expeditions steps into this new chapter under the leadership of Leahy and Goldberg, the company is poised to continue thriving in the adventure travel landscape, maintaining its status as a frontrunner in the expedition cruise segment. With their combined expertise and vision, the future looks promising for Lindblad's mission to create inspiring travel experiences.