CLIA Names Bud Darr as Next President & CEO

Charles “Bud” Darr will take over as president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), effective Feb. 3, 2025. He succeeds Kelly Craighead, who earlier this year, announced her plans to step down.

Darr returns to CLIA having previously led the Association’s maritime technical and regulatory affairs efforts from 2010 to 2017. He rejoins CLIA from MSC Group where he has served as executive vice president of maritime policy and government affairs for more than seven years.

A long history in the maritime world, Darr has also help positions with the U.S. Coast Guard, including deputy chief of maritime and international law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.

“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,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman of the Board, CLIA. “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.”

In his role as president and CEO, Darr will lead the next phase of CLIA’s global strategy as it works to achieve its 2050 sustainability targets.

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.