John Marden, Fleet Director, Carnival UK
Ship Operations, crewing and training and security
Following his education at the Thames Nautical Training College (H.M.S. Worcester) John joined the P&O Shipping Group in 1967 and sailed on various types of cargo and cruise vessels, entering as a Navigating Cadet and completing his sea-going career in 1980 as Chief Officer of the cruise vessel Canberra. During this period he also spent some time at sea with the Royal Navy attaining the rank of Lt. Commander RNR.
He then took up the role of Assistant Fleet Operations Manager within P&O’s Shore Operations Department subsequently becoming Ports and Scheduling Manager in 1982. In 1986 he became the Operations Director for P&O Cruises, responsible for the running of the cruise ships Oriana, Victoria, and Canberra.
In 1998 John was appointed to the position of Fleet Director within Carnival UK, with responsibility for all the operational, passenger logistics, Public Health, Medical, Marine, Technical, Environmental and Security areas of the Carnival UK fleet, which comprised of P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia, Cunard and the Ocean Village brands. He was also responsible for running the Company’s Emergency Response Organisation.
John currently holds the position of Director of Corporate and International Affairs for Carnival UK, which includes responsibilities for Strategic Port Development and Operations. He also heads the Carnival UK Risk Committee.
John is a Master Mariner, a Member of the Nautical Institute, Chairman of the Passenger Shipping Association Safety, Security, Health, Environment & Welfare (SSHEW) Committee, a Trustee of P&O Princess Pensions Scheme and a Governor of the Old Worcesters Association.