Charles Steadman is the Director of Food & Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, where he helps shape dining and beverage experiences across the cruise line’s fleet while developing collaborations with leading culinary and drinks partners.

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Charles has held beverage leadership roles at The Breakers Palm Beach and 1 Hotels and has also operated his own restaurant. His career combines beverage selection, concept development, guest experience, commercial strategy and large-scale hospitality operations.

Charles understands that spirits selected for an international cruise program must deliver more than quality. They must also offer guest relevance, commercial value, reliable supply, suitable packaging, operational versatility and consistent performance across multiple markets. He brings this distinctive cruise-buying and strategic hospitality perspective to the Bartender Spirits Awards judging panel.