Celestyal Cruises chief executive Kyriakos Anastassiadis has been voted to become the next chairman of Clia Europe.
He will take over the role from MSC Cruises’ executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, who has been the organisation’s chairman for three years.
Anastassiadis takes up the position on January 1, 2017, representing the views of the smaller Clia Europe cruise line members like Celestyal, as well as its other lines.
The remaining members of the executive committee are Carnival UK chairman David Dingle, Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Royal Caribbean International senior vice president international Gavin Smith, Costa Group chief executive Michael Thamm and Vago.
Anastassiadis said: “I look forward to continuing the work and effectiveness of Clia Europe in representing all of its members and ensuring the future success of the cruise industry.
“We have an effective team of professionals working at Clia and are developing a stronger presence in Europe. I remain fully committed to matching my peers’ trust with my outmost dedication during the upcoming years.”
Clia Europe secretary general Raphael von Heereman, added: “I would like to welcome the appointment of Kyriakos and I look forward to working with him.
“I also thank Pierfrancesco for his restless support and help in expanding our effectiveness in Brussels and other European capitals, in terms of government affairs, communication and business development. As a result, we have notably increased the value that we bring to our cruise line members and executive partners.”