Clia Europe has appointed a new director general who will assume the role from November 15.
Marie-Caroline Laurent has worked in leadership roles at Iata for nearly a decade, including serving as assistant director for EU Affairs.
Previously she worked in policy development for the Association of European Airlines and as a parliamentary adviser at the European Parliament.
Incumbent director general Ukko Metsola will advise Laurent in her new role until 2022, before returning to the Royal Caribbean Group.
Clia president and chief executive Kelly Craighead said: “I’m delighted to welcome Marie-Caroline Laurent who will draw on a wealth of experience within the European transport policy arena to showcase cruise at the heart of sustainable tourism and demonstrate its value to the wider maritime sector.
“With extensive experience interfacing with EU Institutions, Marie-Caroline will be well positioned to continue to build Clia’s engagement on European policy issues within Brussels.
“I want to thank Ukko Metsola for his leadership in Europe during a critical transitional period as cruise operations have continued a phased return to service.”
Laurent said she was looking forward to working with cruise lines, industry partners and policymakers to “help drive Europe’s leadership in building a truly sustainable transport and tourism industry in Europe”.
“Transport is one of the world’s most innovative industries and cruise ship building is at the heart of the European economy,” she added. “Cruise lines are at the forefront of green maritime innovation and are well positioned to help the EU to drive green growth.”