Charles “Bud” Darr, a cruise and naval industry veteran will take over the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia.

In a press statement, CLIA says that Darr will take charge with effect from February 3, 2025 and he succeeds Kelly Craighead, who, earlier this year, announced her plans to leave the organisation at year’s end.

Craighead had joined CLIA in January 2019, bringing with her over 20 years of executive leadership experience from both the public and private sectors.

The statement adds that Darr returns to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017.

He 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 United States Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the US Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.

Jason Liberty

“Bud’s proven leadership and dedication to advancing the cruise industry’s policies and environmental leadership practices make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a new era of growth and innovation. His extensive background and understanding of the maritime industry will be invaluable assets to CLIA as we set even higher benchmarks for success, and I look forward to working with him to drive our collective mission,” says Jason Liberty, Chairman of the Board, CLIA.

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.

CLIA says that as 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.

“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. 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,” says Darr.

According to the statement, Darr will draw on his extensive experience from the broader maritime community, including his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), to enhance CLIA’s standing worldwide.

Darr began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the US Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.