Celestyal Cruises’ CEO takes the Helm at CLIA Europe

The CLIA Europe General Assembly has appointed Kyriakos (Kerry) Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, as CLIA Europe Chairman. CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community.

First appointed to the European Executive Committee of CLIA three years ago, Anastassiadis takes over the role from Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, who has been the organisation’s chairman for the last three years. Vago has remained on the organization’s board.

Anastassiadis takes on the crucial role of representing the views of the smaller CLIA Europe Cruise Line Members like Celestyal, as well as all of its other members when he takes up the role on January 1, 2017.

“I feel honoured and humbled by the General Assembly’s decision to trust me as CLIA Europe Chair and I look forward to continuing the work and effectiveness of CLIA Europe in representing all of its Members and ensuring the future success of the cruise industry”, Anastassiadis said.

The remaining members of the Executive Committee, as confirmed by the General Assembly, are: David Dingle, Chairman of Carnival UK and CLIA Europe Vice Chairman; Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Silversea Cruises; Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President International, Royal Caribbean; Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group and Pierfrancesco Vago.

“We have an effective team of professionals working at CLIA and are developing a stronger presence in Europe. I remain fully committed to matching my peers’ trust with my outmost dedication during the upcoming years”, Anastassiadis added.

Prior to joining Celestyal Cruises, Anastassiadis distinguished himself as general manager, CEO and president at renowned corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, Procter & Gamble, Polaroid and Aujan Industries. With Greek and English being his mother tongues, Anastassiadis is also fluent in French, Italian and Portuguese. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Southern Africa, Kerry studied Commerce at the University of Witwatersrand and obtained a postgraduate title in Market Research and Advertising.