Leanna Lakes

About Leanna Lakes

Leanna Lakes is a maritime executive and Master Mariner who serves as Technical and Marine Operations Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

She joined the cruise line's Senior Leadership Team in April 2026 after being appointed to the newly created role. Lakes leads an operational function responsible for Fred. Olsen's captains, quality and resources, port operations and the management of the company's technical colleagues in Norway.

The position provides strategic and commercial leadership across the fleet, with a particular focus on strengthening alignment and collaboration between onboard, shoreside and technical teams. Fred. Olsen said Lakes brought more than 25 years of senior maritime operational experience to the business, supported by many years working at sea.

Before joining Fred. Olsen, Lakes held senior positions across cruise and passenger shipping, maritime safety and executive leadership within the UK maritime sector. She has also held non-executive and advisory appointments involving the Merchant Navy Training Board, the UK Chamber of Shipping and Solent University's Business School Advisory Board.

Seafarer Pledge

In August 2026, Lakes represented Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines as the company became the first cruise line to sign the Merchant Navy Welfare Board's Seafarer Pledge. The initiative asks signatories to take practical action supporting seafarer wellbeing, career progression, recognition of maritime skills, transitions between shipboard and shoreside employment, and the development of future maritime talent.

Lakes said the signing reaffirmed Fred. Olsen's commitment to the wellbeing, development and career opportunities of its people. The company had already introduced a dedicated Crew Welfare Officer role during 2026 and welcomed more than 200 young people aboard its ships and into its shoreside offices for educational visits and practical experience.

Read Deck7's full report: Fred. Olsen becomes first cruise line to sign Seafarer Pledge.

Sources: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines appointment announcement, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Seafarer Pledge announcement and Merchant Navy Welfare Board announcement.