CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, has announced the appointment of Charles “Bud” Darr as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 3, 2025. Darr will succeed Kelly Craighead, who previously announced her decision to step down at the end of the year.
Darr, who previously served as CLIA’s Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017, returns to the organization in this new leadership role.
Most recently, Darr served as Executive Vice President of Maritime Policy and Government Affairs at MSC Group, where he held the position for over seven years. His extensive career also includes notable roles within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, as well as service in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.
“I am excited to return to CLIA and deeply appreciate the trust and confidence the Global Executive Committee and CLIA-member lines have placed in me,” Darr said. “With the evolving challenges and opportunities ahead, our industry is primed to break new ground in innovation and sustainability. I look forward to working together to build on our collective strengths and drive us toward an even brighter future. Together, we will navigate the complexities of the global maritime landscape and achieve significant milestones.”
As President and CEO, Darr will lead CLIA’s next phase of global strategy at a pivotal moment for the cruise industry. With the sector focused on responsible growth and working toward its 2050 sustainability goals, Darr’s wealth of maritime expertise and strong relationships across the cruise industry, including trade organizations, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers, will be instrumental in advancing CLIA’s mission.