CLIA names a new global chairman

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, will succeed Adam Goldstein as global chairman of CLIA, effective immediately.

Vago, whose company based in Geneva, will be the first European to serve in the role, which has a two-year term. He served as chairman of CLIA Europe in 2014.

CLIA CEO Kelly Craighead called Vago “a visionary leader within the global cruise community. We will benefit tremendously from his ideas, insights and direction as we look to overcome the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and support the restart of the cruise industry internationally and in the United States in particular.”

Vago was CEO of MSC Cruises from 2003 to 2013, during which time the company experienced more than 800% growth. MSC is one of few cruise lines that has been operating during the pandemic.

“With over 200 sailings that have taken place since last summer in various markets around the world, all with strict measures in place to promote public health, we have proven that a return to cruising is possible,” he said. “I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners in the industry to continue down this path and help secure a vibrant future for all who depend on it.”

Goldstein completed his second term as global chairman of CLIA in December, after helping guide the industry through the most challenging time in its history. CLIA said he will continue his work and involvement in several technology startups and nonprofit organizations.

“It has been an honor to serve as global chairman of CLIA these past two years, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together, even as we have faced unprecedented challenges,” he said. “I have known Pierfrancesco Vago for many years and am fortunate to consider him a friend. I wish him and everyone at CLIA and throughout the industry tremendous success. I truly believe that the best is yet to come for this very special industry.”