Sarina Bratton

Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2006

Sarina Bratton is credited with developing Australia as both a domestic and international cruise destination, generating significant economic benefits in the process.

Sarina founded Orion Expedition Cruises, a world class expedition cruise line operating from Australia to pristine wilderness areas in Antarctica, the Kimberleys, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and Asia.

She is a former Director of the Tourism Task Force, National Councillor for Tourism Council Australia, the founding chair of the International Cruise Council of Australia and has held senior board positions with the State Transit Authority (NSW), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Deputy Chair), Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee (Prime Minister’s nominee) and the Australian Trade Commission.

In 2003 she was awarded the Commonwealth Government’s Centenary Medal for her business leadership contributions to Australian society and in 2008 was a finalist in the Ernst ∓ Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

In May 2008, Orion Expedition Cruises was acquired by KSL Capital Partners, a Denver-based private equity firm specialising in travel and leisure enterprises in five sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. Sarina remains a significant shareholder and continues as Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises.

What has been a defining moment in your career?

When we received three unsolicited approaches to buy our business, and two of these from leading global brands. It made me realise we had created something truly worthwhile and I needed to be certain of the best way forward for the brand and its people.

How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time?

Lead by example, you can be tough but always make sure you are fair.

If I was a glass of champagne...

I would have a lingering sparkle and gentle bubble that excites the palate.

Do you have a vision for making sure that your company will last well into the future?

Absolutely. We have just completed a majority sale of our business, bringing in a private equity group that can underpin the capital requirements for our growth and expansion. We have exercised the purchase option on our ship – Orion – plus are in the process of identifying another ship for our fleet. Our primary market has been Australia, however we recognise that to grow to our potential we need to turn on selected international markets. We allocated experienced resources to North America early this year for this purpose.

Veuve Clicquot is about style, touch, twist – what twist do you bring to your work?

Big picture thinking. Always looking for ways to do things differently and to improve on the solid base established.