Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has named Bud Darr as its new president and CEO, effective 3 February 2025, succeeding Kelly Craighead, who departs at the end of 2024.
Darr, currently the executive vice president of maritime policy and government affairs at MSC Group, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping maritime policies on environmental regulations, decarbonisation, and safety. Darr’s tenure at MSC since 2017 has seen him navigate complex industry challenges while fostering growth across cargo and passenger divisions.
A seasoned cruise industry leader, the appointment marks a homecoming for Darr, who previously served as CLIA’s senior vice president of technical and regulatory affairs from 2010 to 2017. Reflecting on his return, Darr expressed excitement about advancing the industry’s sustainability targets and fostering global collaboration.
As CLIA president, Darr will lead the global cruise industry’s efforts to meet its ambitious 2050 decarbonisation goals. Leveraging his extensive network across shipbuilders, ports, and maritime trade organizations, he aims to solidify CLIA’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Darr’s maritime career spans decades, beginning as a nuclear propulsion supervisor in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Baton Rouge. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he later earned a law degree from George Washington University. Darr has held influential positions in the U.S. Coast Guard, maritime organizations like BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping, and at MSC, where he emerged as a thought leader on sustainability and maritime innovation.