by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Thu September 19, 2024
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced
that President and Chief Executive Officer Kelly Craighead will step down at
the end of 2024.
In a message from CLIA to members, Global Executive Chair Jason
Liberty revealed that Craighead would be giving up her positions as she begins
to seek out her next big challenge.
Craighead will remain in her position through the end of the
year, allowing CLIA executives to find a replacement. The industry veteran has
been in charge of the organization since 2019 and steadied the ship through the
trials and tribulations of the pandemic.
Liberty shared a statement about Craigheads decision to
step down and her impact on the cruise industry over the last several years:
It is with regret and gratitude I am writing to share
that Kelly will step away from CLIA at the end of the year.
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.
After leading CLIA during the most turbulent time in the
industrys 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, were excited to see whats
ahead for Kelly.
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