P&O top marketer Govett leaves ahead of jobs cull

P&O Ferries has parted company with senior marketer John Govett ahead of planned job cuts at the ferry company.

The company, owned by Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation, says that Govett, who held the title director of tourism services, has left under his own volition “to pursue other interests”. Govett held a board position and it is not known if he has a job to go to.

Speculation over Govett’s future was sparked by the news in September that P&O Ferries planned to slash 1,200 jobs and rationalise its routes (MW September 30). Prior to his departure he worked on the company’s business review.

The RMT Union is to ballot over possible strike action regarding the proposed job cuts. Ballot papers were due to be issued today (Wednesday).

Head of marketing Simon Johnson is now the highest-ranking marketer in the company. He joined P&O Stena Line in August 2000 (MW August 24, 2000).

Govett oversaw the consolidation of P&O Ferries’ &£2.5m European advertising business into Link:ICA in August 2002 (MW August 29, 2002). The consolidation followed the merger of P&O’s three operating companies P&O Stena Line, P&O North Sea Ferries and P&O Portsmouth.

Earlier this month the parent company reported flat passenger growth for its third quarter in the ferries division, but the ports division saw strong growth.