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Gavin Smith new chairman of CLIA Australasia

CRUISE Gavin Smith.jpeg
Gavin Smith returns to the chair of CLIA Australasia
Gavin Smith, MD Australia and New Zealand for Royal Caribbean International, was appointed chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia at its annual general meeting in Sydney on Wednesday.

Smith previously served as chairman of CLIA Australasia from 2011 to 2015 and was on the board of CLIA Europe from 2016 to 2019.

Succeeds Sture Myrmell

He replaces Sture Myrmell, president of Carnival Australia, who has concluded his two-year term.

New executive committee

Members of Smith’s newly formed executive committee are Stuart Allison (Princess Cruises), Ben Angell (Norwegian Cruise Line), Sarina Bratton (Ponant), Lynne Clarke (MSC Cruises), Steve Odell (Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises), Andrew Millmore (Windstar Cruises and Virgin Voyages) and outgoing chairman Myrmell. 

Experience and leadership

CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz said Smith brings exceptional industry experience and leadership to the association.

‘He will provide invaluable guidance for our organisation as we work to confront the unprecedented challenges ahead of us and rebuild confidence through the new health measures cruise lines are developing,’ Katz said. 

Katz also paid tribute to Myrmell for his dedication to CLIA and his work as chairman.

‘Myrmell has been a committed and authoritative leader for CLIA as our industry capped off an exceptional period of growth and development within Australasia,’ Katz said.