Patrick Augier has been appointed as General Secretary at PONANT

PONANT announces arrival of Patrick Augier as the company's General Secretary as of 1st March 2023.

Patrick Augier

Patrick Augier's appointment at PONANT supports the company's ambition to become leader in the high-end expedition cruise sector and one of the global references for responsible tourism. Seaman, expert and committed, Patrick Augier will be on the Executive Committee and in charge of strategic matters such as newbuilds, R&D, Science and CSR.

Patrick Augier has sailed all the oceans as a nuclear engineer then chief engineer on nuclear attack submarines and captain of ships. He was the last to command the Jeanne d'Arc helicopter carrier. Later his experience and expertise were called upon to conceive and be responsible for France's maritime policy as advisor to the Prime Minister from 2013 to 2019. As Vice-Admiral, he commanded Marseille's marine fire department during the health crisis where he introduced many innovative solutions all of which were universally praised.

Patrick Augier succeeds Charles Gravatte who leaves the company after nine years leading strategic projects including newbuilds and CSR.

Four teams will be attached to Patrick Augier which are responsible for:

  • R&D and Science
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Strategy and Projects
  • Institutional Relations
General Management France Marseille

Explore to Inspire: explore to better understand, learn, share and protect. For more than 30 years, PONANT has been committed to more responsible tourism and voyages of exploration which have meaning. The French-flagged fleet comprises 13 small capacity ships equipped with state of the art environmentally friendly equipment. With PONANT, exploration is refined, authentic and a source of inspiration.