CLIA Names Kelly Craighead as New President and CEO

Three months after Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced president and CEO Cindy D’Aoust would step down after two years on the job, CLIA has named a new president.

Kelly Craighead, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism in the U.S. Department of Commerce, will take over D’Aoust’s role effective Jan. 1, 2019.

“I am extremely pleased that Kelly will be joining CLIA to support the global cruise industry during this golden age of cruising.  Her extensive experience in the hospitality and travel industries, combined with her leadership skills and passion for results, are second to none. This is an exciting time for our industry,” said Arnold Donald, Global CLIA Chairman and president and CEO of Carnival Corporation said.

In her new role, Craighead will head CLIA’s team to “promote the common interests of the organization’s members and the global cruise industry.”

“Demand for cruising is exhibiting strong growth, making the cruise industry a critical partner to localities, regions and nations around the world,” said Craighead.

“I am excited to be joining such a strong and well-respected organization at an important time for the industry. I look forward to listening, learning, and better understanding the needs of our members and building on the strong foundation and success of the current team, in order to most effectively lead CLIA in the years ahead.”

From 1993 to 2001, Craighead served on the White House Staff, working as Deputy Assistant to both President Bill Clinton and the First Lady. There, Craighead worked on a number of initiatives, including “Save America’s Treasures,” which looked to protect historic buildings, arts, and published works in the U.S.

Since then, Craighead has worked in a variety of roles, including as the president and managing director of the nonprofit Democracy Alliance.

During her time working for Travel and Tourism in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Craighead helped generate over $250 billion from international visitors to the U.S.