Thursday, August 13, 2015

Cruise Association President Quits

By Mark Edward Nero

After only about a month on the job, the president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association is parting ways with the organization.

Thomas Ostebo, who joined CLIA as President and CEO on July 6, has stepped down from the position, effective immediately, due to personal reasons, the cruise association revealed on Aug. 12.

“While it is unfortunate that Tom is departing CLIA, his desire to put his family first is a testament to his character, and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors,” Global CLIA Chairman Adam Goldstein, President and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., said in a prepared statement announcing the surprise development.

Cindy D’Aoust, Executive Vice President of Membership and Operations, was named acting CEO and interim overseer of the management of global operations and the CLIA leadership teams until CLIA appoints a permanent CEO.

The new CEO will be the third in 2015 alone. Ostebo’s appointment followed the January 2015 departure of former CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy who took over as president of Carnival Cruise Line on Feb. 1.

Ostebo came to CLIA from the US Coast Guard, where he served as a Rear Admiral. Most recently, he was Director of Strategic Management for the USCG, where he supported strategy and budget policy. He also served as Commander for the Coast Guard 17th District.