On March 14, the Cruise Lines International Association announced that its Global Executive Committee has appointed Cindy D’Aoust as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
“I am honored to take on the official role of President and CEO of CLIA, representing cruise lines, travel agencies and agents, and executive partners across the globe,” D’Aoust said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is important for the cruise industry to collaborate and create a stronger global voice. I look forward to building on the organization’s current success and delivering on our mission to be the unified global organization that helps our members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community.”
D’Aoust joined the cruise industry trade association in December 2014 and had served as the organization’s acting CEO since August 2015, after then-CEO Thomas Ostebo stepped down from the position due to “personal reasons” after only about a month on the job.
Ostebo came to CLIA from the US Coast Guard, where he served as a Rear Admiral. His appointment had followed the January 2015 departure of former CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy, who took over as president of Carnival Cruise Line in February 2015.
As the new permanent CEO, D’Aoust brings with her more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and travel industries, including a leadership position at meeting planners and event industry group Meeting Professionals International, where she served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing global operations, marketing and member services. She held other senior roles with meetings management services company Maxvantage and Maritz Travel.
“Cindy has proven to be an extremely valuable and knowledgeable member of our executive team,” Global CLIA Chairman Adam Goldstein said.
