Four Seasons Yachts Appoints Captain Duncan Holroyd to Senior Leadership Team
The veteran mariner joins Captain Kate McCue to steer the final outfitting and operations of Four Seasons I.
Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons Yachts has named Captain Duncan Holroyd to its senior leadership team, reinforcing the brand’s focus on operational excellence as it prepares for the debut of its first vessel in 2026. Holroyd will serve alongside Captain Kate McCue, creating what CEO Ben Trodd calls “a leadership powerhouse” designed to deliver an entirely new standard of yachting hospitality.
Holroyd’s résumé spans more than 30 years with some of the industry’s most respected names, including Holland America Line, Carnival Corporation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and, most recently, Lindblad Expeditions, where he oversaw U.S. fleet operations. A graduate of Fleetwood Nautical College and Warsash Maritime Academy, he also holds a degree in oceanography from the University of Wales. His seafaring career began in childhood, sailing the lakes of Northern England and the rugged coast of Scotland.
Holroyd’s expertise sits at the intersection of maritime precision and high-touch guest experience—a dual focus that Four Seasons is banking on to differentiate itself in a crowded luxury market. In his new role, he will guide the final outfitting and marine operations of Four Seasons I ahead of delivery and later share responsibility with McCue for navigation, safety, and deck operations once the yacht is sailing.
For the trade, the appointment offers reassurance that the brand is backing its bold promises with seasoned talent. Four Seasons Yachts has touted features such as a bespoke transverse marina, exclusive port access, and a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, amenities that advisors can position as bridging the intimacy of private yacht charter with the reliability of a luxury hotel brand.
Holroyd himself emphasized that philosophy: “What drew me to Four Seasons Yachts is the idea of combining experiences typically found on superyachts with an unprecedented level of luxury and service that puts the guest at the centre of all we do.”
Four Seasons I will now debut in March 2026 with a Mediterranean program, following its construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. A second vessel, Four Seasons II, is already slated for 2027. With suites priced up to $350,000 per week and strong bookings reported into 2027, the line’s success may hinge as much on how it delivers at sea as on how effectively advisors help clients understand its unique value proposition.
