It is with a heavy heart that the CSI community mourns the passing of Jon Ingleton, Managing Director of Tudor Rose and Executive Editor of industry magazine Cruise & Ferry Review. Tributes have flooded in across the cruise ship interiors community, praising a man who was warm, good hearted and an absolute champion of the community and its people.
For Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas and Europe, and their parent company Elite Exhibitions, the story is no different. When the founders Toby Walters and Sam Murray set out to set up their venture for the cruise ship interiors community, they were almost unanimously pointed to one man: Jon Ingleton. Jon’s depth of knowledge, his passion for the industry and his generosity with his time and wisdom all shaped the community that evolved from the inaugural CSI Americas in 2019.
Jon was passionate about sustainability, and channeled his passion into action. In 2022, he joined with maritime designers, specifiers and professionals to compile and publish the landmark Sustainability Report. The report aimed at meaningfully assessing the sustainability performance and potential for improvement of the ship interior lifecycle. The group followed this publication with The Sustainable Maritime Interiors Declaration Report in 2023.
As a member of the Advisory Boards for CSI Americas and Europe, Jon guided the organising team through the evolution of the two shows. He was an endless well of knowledge, responding to any question directed to him – and there were many – with answers that inspired, challenged and unlocked new pathways. His fellow Advisory Board members, prominent figures in cruise ship interior design who worked closely with Jon for years, have delivered their own tributes to a man that shared so much with the people around him.
Tributes from the community
‘Jon championed the belief that great design is about more than ships and spaces. It is about people, ideas, and a shared commitment to making our industry better. I admired his ability to bring our community together, celebrate innovation, and push sustainability forward in impactful ways. His legacy will live on through the countless people and projects he inspired. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to guide our industry for years to come. The best way to honor Jon is to carry forward the passion, collaboration, and spirit of innovation that he brought to all of us. I have lost an inspiring colleague, mentor and friend. My heart goes out to Jon’s family and loved ones.’
My Nguyen, Senior Director, Design & Innovation, Holland America Line & Seabourn
‘Jon was truly one of a kind – a great character whose passion and enthusiasm for our industry and design were infectious. Always there to support, connect people, and push our industry forward, but most importantly, always with warmth, humor, and unmistakable personality.
We have lost a true friend and champion of the cruise industry. Jon will be deeply missed by all of us.’
Petu Kummala, Associate Vice President, Interior Design & Architecture, Carnival Cruise Line
‘Jon always made me feel so cared for and just safe – almost like a father figure in a way. I loved listening to his fantastic stories and learning from his vast experience. It’s truly a loss for the full industry and we must fight even harder for the values Jon was such a great advocate for.’
Petra Ryberg, Principal Designer & Owner, Design Studio Berg+
‘I first met Jon Ingleton while developing Explora Journeys, and he once told me he could listen to me talk about the project all day because I spoke of it as though it were my child. After I left, his immediate words, “What are your plans now? We must talk!”, helped set me on the journey I am on today. A gifted writer, generous listener and wholehearted supporter of the maritime industry, Jon made a meaningful impact on me and will be greatly missed.’
Jason Gelineau, Principal, JAG Hospitality
‘Jon was a big supporter of me and Studio DADO especially when we launched the firm 10 years ago. He was a definite reason behind the success of DADO. He also even put an interview with Enzo in Cruise and Ferry online. I am forever grateful and I will miss him immensely.’
Greg Walton, Founder, Studio DADO
‘Jon was one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve known in this industry. He never stopped supporting others — through his Advisory Board contributions, his sponsorship of the VIP Lounge at CSI Expo, or simply by bringing people together, as he did with the Sustainable Maritime Interiors declaration, uniting so many of us and giving us the chance to work on something big and lasting. Even through his illness, he stayed positive and generous with his time right to the very end, often caring more about others than about himself or his own health. Our industry has lost a truly special person and mentor, and I know I am not the only one who has lost a dear friend.’
Daniela Herget, Principal Cruise Consultant, Cruise Quality Consult
‘Jon’s passion, vision and commitment to his beliefs was unfathomable. He was a leader, an innovator and a dear mentor to so many. When I’m in the thick of things, I remember something Jon once wrote to me. His words are something that I think everyone can carry with them:
Try to stop and take some time to enjoy it when you can, it’s easy to let special moments get lost among the mountain of work you have to get through during the week!’
Stella Jones, Audience Engagement Manager, CSI & CSIE
A community in mourning
The cruise ship interiors community sends their joy at having known Jon and sorrow for his loss to his family, friends and close colleagues.
