A former airline executive is to take over as secretary general of cruise body Clia Europe in the new year.
Raphael von Heereman has worked for Lufthansa, TuiFly and Qatar Airways, where he was vice president, aero political and regulatory affairs.
He joins the cruise body in February following the departure of Robert Ashdown.
Ashdown has agreed to work alongside his successor in early 2015 to ensure a seamless transition, according to Clia Europe chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises.
Von Heereman was selected by the Clia Europe executive committee and search committee chaired by David Dingle of Carnival UK.
Clia president and chief executive, Christine Duffy, said: “Having worked as industry representative before the European Commission and European Parliament, von Heereman is deeply familiar with Brussels and the EU policy arena.
“Also, resulting from the different jobs that he has held within the travel industry, including various positions with airline associations, von Heereman is therefore well versed in the trade associations business.
“We are confident that these two skill-sets coupled with his experience, strong commercial skills and technical know-how will allow him to quickly transition into Clia Europe and its activities.”