Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has appointed Gavin Smith as new chairman.
Smith takes the reins following CLIA’s annual general meeting, replacing outgoing chair, Sture Myrmell.
Smith is Australia and New Zealand MD for Royal Caribbean International and is appointed for a two-year term.
He leads a new executive committee which is made up of key figures from cruise lines serving the region.
It includes Steve Odell of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, Lynne Clarke at MSC Cruises, and Ben Angell from Norwegian Cruise Line.
"Gavin Smith has been a well-known and respected leader for our industry for several decades, having been a key player in the growth and evolution of cruising in Australasia and the South Pacific," said Joel Katz, CLIA Australasia managing director.
"He will provide invaluable guidance for our organisation as we work to confront the unprecedented challenges ahead of us."
