Clia Europe chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will complete his term as chairman of Clia Europe at the end of the year.
He will be succeeded by Clia Europe vice-chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, who is also chairman of MSC Cruises.
Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who is also chairman of Silversea Cruises, served as Clia Europe chairman for three and a half years. He will still be a member of Clia’s global executive committee.
Lefebvre d’Ovidio said he was pleased the industry had shown “robust growth in the past decade”, despite economic downturns.
Vago, who will take over from the January next year, said: “It is an honour for me to take on the role as chairman of Clia Europe. Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidi has been an extraordinary chairman and will be a head act to follow.
“He has left a strong and positive legacy which I aim to build on. In particular he has built strong relationships with governments and regulators, most notably the European Commission and European Parliament, contributing significantly to the development of the positive and credible reputation the industry enjoys today.
“Under his leadership we have built an industry that we should all be proud of. Together we employ over 325,000 Europeans, we serve more than 6 million Europeans on our cruise ships, and we generate almost €38 billion in output for Europe’s economy.”
Christine Duffy, president and chief executive of Clia said: “I wish to acknowledge Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio for his exceptional leadership in Europe, and extend to him my gratitude on behalf of all Clia members, particularly for agreeing to serve for an extended period.
“His close working relationships with regulators and fellow industry colleagues, in particular with his successor Clia Europe vice chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, will ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
“In his role as chairman of MSC Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago has already made a tremendous contribution to the growth of the cruise industry in Europe.”