Kelly Craighead to depart CLIA at year's end

She has helmed CLIA as president and CEO since January 2019.

In announcing the news 'with regret and gratitude,' CLIA Global Chairman Jason Liberty said: 'I know I speak for the entire industry when I say Kelly Craighead has worked tirelessly and overseen incredible accomplishments in her five-plus years at CLIA: navigating an unprecedented industry shutdown; aligning our ambitious sustainability initiatives to position cruise at the forefront of responsible tourism; and championing the unparalleled growth in our industry and record-breaking passenger numbers.

'All this while balancing the diverse needs of our valued stakeholders, members and partners worldwide.' 

Leadership during turbulent times

Liberty continued: 'After leading CLIA during the most turbulent time in the industry’s history and helping to steward the industry to new heights since then, Kelly has decided that the time is right for her to seek out her next big challenge. While we will be sad to see her go, we’re excited to see what’s ahead for Kelly.

Lasting impact

'It’s always enviable to leave organizations better than when you joined and when all signs are pointing up,' Liberty said. 'Kelly has achieved both of these things during her time at CLIA. Her many contributions will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our industry, and we should all be profoundly grateful for that.'

Related:Marie-Caroline Laurent leaving CLIA Europe for MSC Group

Search for a successor

CLIA will immediately start a search for Craighead's successor. To ease the transition, she will remain in place through December, Liberty said.