By
Laura Hyde |
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has named Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO, as its new chairman. Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, who was appointed in January 2021.
“I am excited and honoured to lead this organisation as we enter a new era of cruising,” said Liberty. “With consumer demand continuing to accelerate, we are doubling down on our commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable growth, ensuring that we are not only investing in our oceans and communities, but preserving them for generations of travellers to come. I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners around the world to further position cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today’s travellers that create positive ripple effects across the globe.”
Liberty’s career in the cruise industry spans almost two decades. He served as Royal Caribbean Group’s chief financial officer for many years before becoming president and CEO in early 2022. As CLIA chairman, Liberty will provide leadership to the CLIA Global Executive Committee and the board of directors. He will also be responsible for establishing the overall strategic direction of the association on behalf of its cruise line members, who represent 95 per cent of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines.
“Mr. Liberty assumes the chairmanship at a time when the industry is building on the momentum of strong demand and our members are advancing ambitious sustainability initiatives in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Mr. Liberty is a highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realise our global operating ambitions. I would also like to thank Mr. Vago for his leadership as chair over the past three years, navigating challenging times and creating a solid foundation for the industry’s future growth.”