Nikos Mertzanidis’ Post

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Vice President Government Affairs | Strategic advocacy planning | Business regulation | Building on opportunities and containing threats

Both moved and excited to welcome back to the helm of CLIA Bud Darr, an excellent professional, with deep knowledge of the #maritime sector, and a true gentleman!!! And of course, always grateful to Kelly Craighead for her inspiring leadership in an era that transformed the #cruise industry!!! We set sail to a new adventure!!! #WeAreCruise

📣 CLIA is excited to announce the appointment of Bud Darr as President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 3, 2025. Darr succeeds Kelly Craighead, who, earlier this year, announced her plans to leave the organization at year’s end. Darr returns to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017. Darr joins CLIA from MSC Group where he served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs for more than seven years. He has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. 💬 “I am thrilled to be returning to CLIA, and I am grateful for the confidence that the Global Executive Committee and CLIA-member lines have placed in me,” Darr commented. “With the dynamic changes and opportunities ahead, this industry is poised to set new pathways and raise the bar for innovation and sustainability. I am eager to harness our collective expertise to propel us toward an even brighter future. Together, we will navigate the global complexities and reach significant milestones.” In his role as President and CEO, Darr will lead the next phase of CLIA’s global strategy at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Darr brings exceptional maritime experience and outstanding relationships across the global cruise industry and its related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers. 🛳️ #WeARECruise

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Bud Darr

Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs at MSC Group

4d

Thank you Nikos…I’m really happy to be working with you once again very soon!

Congratulations Bud!! Full circle. CLIA is in great hands with your leadership. Well deserved 👏 Hope all is well

Michael McCarthy

Marine Consultant at MMCC Port Marine Ltd

3d

Congratulations Bud… your wealth of maritime knowledge will be a great asset particularly at this period of such regulatory change in the industry.

Milhar Fuazudeen

Retired Head, Maritime Training and Human Element IMO,UN Managing Director, FinMar Consultants Ltd, Director Your Price Window Sales Limited

3d

Congratulations Budd. Best wishes for a successful tenure in your new position in 2025.

Hey Bud! This is really good news! I am happy for you! I am happy for the cruise indistry! Merry Christmas! Happy 2025

Maurice Storey CB

Honorary Chairman and Director at Evergreen-marine (UK) Ltd

4d

Congratulations Budd and good luck in the new job.

Roger Strevens

Director, Low Carbon Regulation & Advocacy

4d

Bud, many congratulations! Your shrewd and humble approach are the very epitome of #Leadershipping - CLIA | Cruise Lines International Association could not have made a better choice! Wishing you every success for the voyage ahead 😊

Figen Ayan

Founder Ayan Consulting & European Commission Expert

4d

Congratulations Bud! I had always been impressed by your knowledge and your willingness to share! CLIA and the industry are lucky! All the very best!

Dr Grahaeme Henderson OBE FREng

Chair of 'Together in Safety', a non-regulatory industry consortium working together to improve shipping's safety performance

4d

Many congratulations Bud. Together in Safety looks forward to continuing to work closely with CLIA and yourself in the vital area of safety. Very best wishes - Grahaeme

Niels Wammen-Jensen

Group Vice President, Government Affairs (Europe) at MSC Group

4d

Bud Darr, I count myself lucky to have had the chance to work with and for you. The CLIA team has a lot to look forward to! In the words of my native language, Må vinden fylde dine sejl! ⛴️⚓️🙏

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