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CLIA Europe appoints new director general

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Marie-Caroline Laurent will be able to draw on a wealth of experience within the European transport policy arena
Cruise Lines International Association tapped Marie-Caroline Laurent as director general for CLIA Europe, effective Nov. 15.

Laurent is a transport policy expert who has held leadership roles at the International Air Transport Association 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 also served as a parliamentary adviser at the European Parliament and as senior policy officer at the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU.

Appreciation for Ukko Metsola

CLIA Global President and CEO Kelly Craighead thanked Ukko Metsola for his 'leadership in Europe during a critical transitional period as cruise operations have continued a phased return to service.'

Craighead said Laurent 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.'

For her part, Laurent said: 'I’m passionate about the positive impact of transport and tourism sectors supporting businesses and livelihoods in every European country. Transport is one of the world’s most innovative industries and cruise shipbuilding is at the heart of the European economy. Cruise lines are at the forefront of green maritime innovation and are well positioned to help the EU to drive green growth.

'I’m looking forward to working together with cruise lines, our industry partners and policy-makers to help drive Europe’s leadership in building a truly sustainable transport and tourism industry in Europe.'

Metsola is planned to return to Royal Caribbean

Metsola will stay on as adviser to Laurent until the end of 2021 to support the transition prior to his planned return to the Royal Caribbean Group, where he most recently served as VP government relations for Europe and Asia-Pacific. He took on the CLIA Europe duties in September 2020