Riviera Travel has appointed Matt Luscombe as CEO from 1 January 2026, when Phil Hullah will step down from the role.
Phil will continue to support Matt (above) during early 2026 and will remain a significant shareholder in the business, said Riviera.
Matt joins from Freemans Event Partners, where he has been CEO since March. He was previously CEO at hotel management company Cycas Hospitality. He also spent 10 years with InterContinental Hotels Group, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for Europe & North Africa.
Riviera Chairman Andrew Strong said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt as Riviera Travel’s new CEO. His proven ability to deliver growth and innovate across the leisure and hospitality sectors positions him perfectly to lead Riviera into its next chapter.
“The Board is confident that Matt’s strategic vision will unlock new opportunities and strengthen our market leadership. I also want to thank Phil for his outstanding contribution. Since joining Riviera in 2019, Phil has guided the business through the unprecedented disruption of COVID and driven its resurgence as the UK’s leading river cruise and escorted tours operator.
“Under his stewardship, we have modernised the business, achieved record financial performance, introduced new products such as Signature and Solos, expanded into the United States, won a plethora of industry awards, and further strengthened our reputation for exceptional customer service.”
