Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. has revealed the appointment of Natalya Leahy as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Rick Goldberg as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Leahy will officially step into the CEO role on January 1, 2025, while Goldberg will assume the CFO position on December 31, 2024. These changes come as the company celebrates its 46th year in the expedition travel and cruise industry, as it continues to evolve and expand its leadership in the market.
Leahy’s appointment follows an impressive career in the global travel and luxury cruise sectors. She most recently served as President of Seabourn, a luxury cruise line, where she led a global team of over 4,000 employees, managing all aspects of the company’s operations. Before her role at Seabourn, Leahy held key leadership positions at Holland America Group, including Chief Operations Officer (COO) and CFO. Her career also includes significant roles at major organizations such as The Procter & Gamble Company, the United Nations, and The Coca-Cola Company. With her extensive experience, Leahy is poised to lead Lindblad Expeditions into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
Lindblad, the company’s Founder and current CEO, will transition into the role of Co-Chair of the Board. In his statement, he expressed his confidence in the new leadership team, highlighting the strong potential for Leahy and Goldberg to work together to drive the company’s future success. He believes their combined talents and experience will propel Lindblad Expeditions into its next phase of expansion in both its sea-based and land-based travel experiences. Lindblad emphasized that he would continue to support the company’s growth in his new role alongside the Board.
Goldberg joins Lindblad from Founders Table Restaurant Group, where he has been leading the finance, real estate, and franchising divisions since 2021. He previously served as CFO at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. and has extensive experience in financial management, real estate, and customer insights. Goldberg’s addition is expected to bring valuable financial expertise to the company as it navigates the next phase of its growth trajectory. His leadership in financial strategy will be key to ensuring that Lindblad Expeditions maintains a strong foundation while continuing to scale its operations and offerings.
In a statement, Mark D. Ein, Chairman of the Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the appointments, noting that Leahy’s background in senior leadership roles in global travel and luxury brands, combined with Goldberg’s expertise in financial leadership, aligns perfectly with Lindblad Expeditions’ vision and mission. Ein believes that their leadership will be instrumental in helping the company achieve its ambitious growth objectives while delivering exceptional value to stakeholders.
Leahy shared her excitement about the opportunity to lead Lindblad Expeditions, acknowledging the company’s long-standing legacy as a pioneer in the expedition cruise industry. She emphasized her belief in the transformative power of travel and her commitment to continuing the company’s mission of creating life-changing, immersive travel experiences for its guests. She looks forward to building on the legacy of founder Sven-Olof Lindblad and leading the team as the company embraces new opportunities for growth.
Goldberg expressed his enthusiasm for joining Lindblad Expeditions, emphasizing his excitement about contributing to the company’s success and long-term growth. He noted that Lindblad’s strong financial position and the promising growth potential of the expedition travel sector would enable the company to deliver exceptional shareholder value while enhancing the guest experience.
As part of this transition, Lindblad, who has led the company since its founding, will continue to provide guidance and support in his new role as Co-Chair of the Board. Rick Goldberg will succeed Dyson Dryden, who has served as the interim CFO since June 2024, and will continue his role as a Board Director.
Lindblad Expeditions has established itself as a leader in the world of adventure travel, providing guests with unique and immersive experiences exploring some of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth. With the appointments of Leahy and Goldberg, the company is poised to enter its next phase of growth and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the travel industry for years to come.
