CLIA names new director general for Europe

Cruise Lines International Association announced Samuel Maubanc as director general in Europe. He takes the reins from Marie-Caroline Laurent who last month took up a new role with MSC Group.

As head of the association’s European office based in Brussels, Maubanc is responsible for driving advocacy efforts on behalf of CLIA-member cruise lines operating in Europe and championing policies that support the sector’s energy transition in pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the cruise industry’s engagement with ports and destinations that prioritize, support and promote responsible growth.

Maubanc has nearly two decades of experience in EU policy and public affairs, with a focus on decarbonization ambitions driven by increasing the availability of competitively priced sustainable fuels, and security of supply channels in the transportation sector. 

Advocacy expert

Welcoming Maubanc to his new role, Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA said: ‘As a well-respected, and knowledgeable advocacy expert with a specialization in circular and renewable energy solutions, Sam will undoubtedly help our industry continue to build on its strong policy positions and priorities in ways that will continue to foster our member lines’ success.’

Maubanc commented, ‘never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency for building sustainable transport pathways, in particular in the context of implementing the EU Fit-for-55 policy package. This notably includes increasing the scalability and competitiveness of renewable fuels and establishing a stable and secure supply chain for maritime as an integral part of the transportation sector. ‘

He continued, ‘The cruise industry is an important driver of European competitiveness and maritime industrial innovation, and I look forward to working with policymakers, ports and destinations, and CLIA-member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level.’

Neste and Liquid Gas Europe

Prior to joining CLIA, Maubanc was head of EU Affairs and general manager for Neste, a leading producer  of renewable fuels and circular  solutions. During his tenure with Neste, Maubanc was an influential voice in policy conversations regarding sustainable energy pathways and related issues. Prior to Neste, Maubanc was general manager for Liquid Gas Europe, a nonprofit association representing the liquid gas industry in Brussels.

He holds an executive master in management from the Brussels Solvay Business School and a master in European studies from the University of Aalborg, Denmark.