Jason Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago as CLIA chairman

He succeeds MSC Cruises' Pierfrancesco Vago, who has led the industry's global trade association since January 2021.

Announcing the change, CLIA President/CEO Kelly Craighead said Liberty assumes the chairmanship 'at a time when the industry is building on the momentum of strong demand and our members are advancing ambitious sustainability initiatives in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.'

She called him a 'highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realize our global operating ambitions.'

Vago thanked for his leadership in challenging times

Craighead also thanked Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, for his leadership over the past three years, 'navigating challenging times and creating a solid foundation for the industry’s future growth.'

Vago guided cruising through the pandemic restart and has been a vocal advocate for decarbonization.

'Doubling down'

'With consumer demand continuing to accelerate, we are doubling down on our commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth, ensuring that we are not only investing in our oceans and communities, but preserving them for generations of travelers to come,' Liberty said.

'I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners around the world to further position cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today’s travelers that create positive ripple effects across the globe.'

Royal Caribbean powerhouse

Liberty became Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO in early 2022, following nearly two decades in the company and serving as CFO for many years.

In 2023, he drove powerful gains in the group’s business, which became one of the year's top performing stocks. He oversees Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and joint ventures with Germany's TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which the company is a 50% owner.