Global CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead steps down

Global CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead steps down
Edited by Travel Weekly


Kelly Craighead, who has led the global Cruise Lines International Association during an eventful stretch, including the pandemic shutdown, will be leaving at the end of 2024.

She has been CLIA president and CEO since January 2019.

“It is with regret and gratitude I am writing to share that Kelly will step away from CLIA at the end of the year,” the assocation’s global executive chair 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,” he said.

“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.”

CLIA will has started a search for Craighead’s successor but she will remain in the role until December, Liberty said.

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