D’Ovidio to complete CLIA term this year

Silversea’s Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will complete his term as CLIA Europe chairman at the end of this year, with MSC’s Pierfrancesco Vago to step into the role.

Vago, who is CEO of MSC Cruises, will move from vice-chairman to chairman in the new year when d’Ovidio completes three and a half years in the role, which includes an extension at the request of CLIA members.

Christine Duffy, president & CEO of CLIA said: “I wish to acknowledge Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio for his exceptional leadership in Europe, and extend to him my gratitude on behalf of all CLIA members, particularly for agreeing to serve for an extended period. His close working relationships with regulators and fellow industry colleagues, in particular with his successor, CLIA Europe Vice-Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, will ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”

Both d’Ovidio and Vago were instrumental when cruise associations around the world and within Europe agreed to come under one.

Vago, whose replacement is yet to be announced, acknowledged d’Ovidio’s work and the job ahead.

“It is an honour for me to take on the role as chairman of CLIA Europe. Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio has been an extraordinary chairman and will be a hard act to follow,” Vago said. “He has left a strong and positive legacy which I aim to build on. In particular he has built strong relationships with governments and regulators, most notably the European Commission and European Parliament, contributing significantly to the development of the positive and credible reputation the industry enjoys today.”