CLIA Europe Appoints Costa Group CEO as New Chairman

Photo Source: Clia Europe

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe has appointed Michael Thamm, Group CEO at Costa Group and Carnival Asia, as its new chairman.

Michael Thamm

He succeeds David Dingle, chairman of Carnival UK, who has served as interim CLIA Europe chairman since summer 2018.

Michael is a veteran in the cruise sector, with over 30 years of industry experience. From 1993, he was a key player in developing the cruise market in Germany, positioning AIDA Cruises as the market leader.

“I am grateful for my election as Chairman of CLIA Europe and honored by the trust the industry places in me at a crucial time for the growth of our business,” Michael Thamm said.

Michael was President of AIDA Cruises from 2004 to 2012, during which time he initiated a new building program that saw the fleet grow by one vessel each year between 2007 and 2013. In 2012, he was appointed Group CEO to lead the global business of Costa Group that includes Costa Crociere, AIDA Cruises and Carnival Maritime. In addition to this role, in January 2017 Michael was named CEO of Carnival Asia to oversee operations in this region.

“Under my leadership, CLIA Europe will strengthen its commitment to a constructive dialogue with our stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges we face and to further develop the cruise industry in Europe,” Michael added.

In his new role, Michael will work with the CLIA Europe general assembly and CLIA teams across the continent to continue to promote the common interests of cruise ship operators in Europe.

Members of the CLIA Europe Executive Committee, as confirmed by the General Assembly, are: David Dingle, Chairman, Carnival UK; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises; Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President, International, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises; Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman, Silversea Cruises; and Wybcke Meier, CEO, TUI Cruises.