Glyn Barker appointed as Head of Crew Services

With a career spanning Carnival UK, Viking Maritime, and senior HR leadership roles, Glyn Barker takes the helm of Hill Robinson’s Crew Services, shaping the future of crew support and development

Hill Robinson is pleased to announce the appointment of Glyn Barker as Head of Crew Services, a role central to supporting the people who make yachting possible. 

Glyn will report to Chief Operating Officer, Paul Cook. He will be based in our Southampton office. 

With more than two decades of experience in human resources management, people’s welfare, recruitment, and maritime training, Glyn brings both deep marine industry knowledge and a people-first philosophy to Hill Robinson. He spent over 14 years with Carnival UK and six years with Viking Maritime Group, where he oversaw the training and development of trainee officers and cadets as well as the management of officers and crew. His work took him across the UK and Ireland, collaborating with universities, industry bodies, and shipboard teams to ensure the next generation of seafarers received the support, training, and qualifications they needed to thrive at sea. Alongside this, his career has included senior HR leadership roles across other sectors, broadening his expertise in recruitment, training, compliance, and employee development—experience that now positions him strongly to lead Crew Services. 

In his new role, Glyn will establish a singular Crew Services business stream; a “super hub” uniting Hill Robinson’s existing strength in recruitment, employment, training, and management of superyacht and commercial vessel crew, estates personnel, as well as corporate recruitment and training. By aligning these complementary areas, the initiative will enhance coordination, deliver cost-effective services, and drive business success. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to join a prestigious company; I feel like all of my past experiences have been building towards taking on this role,” Glyn says. “I am very much looking forward to working with all of the team to develop the Crew Services business stream to build on what has already been achieved, and to deliver on all of our objectives.”  

Once this new structure is in place, Glyn will oversee its growth as an effective and profitable business stream. He will provide line management to the existing team, including Heads of Crew Employment, Recruitment, and Academy, as well as Crew Services and Fleet Managers. The role is ultimately accountable for maintaining the highest standards of service delivery for both clients and crew. 

Speaking of Glyn’s appointment, Paul shared: “Am delighted to welcome Glyn to the Hill Robinson team and especially to this exciting new Head of Crew Services position.  With a wealth of experience and a strong track record in leadership and business development, Glyn will play a key role in driving our Crew Services initiative forward and supporting our wider Yacht Management strategic goals.” 

A Chartered Member of the CIPD with a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel & Development, Glyn combined technical expertise with a collaborative, engaging and supportive leadership approach. His focus on crew welfare, training, employment, and recruitment aligns with Hill Robinson’s own mission to deliver personalised support across every aspect of yacht ownership and operation. 

Outside of work, Glyn is an avid cyclist and golfer, taking part in charity rides in a pursuit that reflects his drive, commitment, and team spirit. 

Hill Robinson looks forward to the impact Glyn will bring as he leads Crew Services into its next chapter. Welcome, Glyn! 

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