Discover Ferries appoints new leadership team

The industry body has appointed Abby Penlington as director and Nigel Wonnacott as chair 
Discover Ferries appoints new leadership team
Discover Ferries
Abby Penlington (left) has been appointed as director of the industry body, while Nigel Wonnacott (right) takes up the position of chair

By Alex Smith |


Industry body Discover Ferries has appointed Abby Penlington as director and Nigel Wonnacott as chairperson.

Discover Ferries represents 13 ferry operators in the UK, Ireland and British islands, promoting the benefits of ferry travel. Penlington has been head of marketing at the organisation since November 2018 and has 14 years of experience in the cruise and tourism sectors. She replaces Emma Batchleor, who departed after three years in the role.

“I’m very much looking forward to reaching new-to-ferry travellers to share the comfort, freedom and value afforded by ferry travel at a time when people will be looking harder at their holiday choices,” said Penlington. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Emma and I am excited to continue to champion the ferry sector in these challenging times.”

Wonnacott has accepted the role of chair following Kevin George’s decision to step down after five years in the post. He is group head of external communications at Brittany Ferries, and has been vice chair of Discover Ferries since February 2020.

“I want to thank Kevin for his great contribution and commitment in leading Discover Ferries to becoming an effective platform to promote ferry travel,” said Wonnacott. “I’m very much looking forward to building on his success and taking the organisation forward at a time when coming together as an industry is more important than ever.”

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