Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has appointed Samuel Maubanc as Director General in Europe, effective 4th November, 2024.
As head of the association’s European office, based in Brussels, Maubanc is responsible for driving advocacy efforts on behalf of CLIA-member cruise lines operating in Europe and championing policies that support the sector’s energy transition in pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the cruise industry’s engagement with ports and destinations that prioritise, support and promote responsible growth.
In addition to his previous experience in leading an industry trade association, Maubanc has nearly two decades of experience in EU policy and public affairs, with a focus on de-carbonisation ambitions, driven by increasing the availability of competitively priced sustainable fuels, and security of supply channels in the transportation sector.
Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to CLIA and are confident his leadership and policy experience will help support and accelerate the cruise industry’s ambitious sustainability agenda.
“As a well-respected, and knowledgeable advocacy expert with a specialisation in circular and renewable energy solutions, Sam will undoubtedly help our industry continue to build on its strong policy positions and priorities in ways that will continue to foster our member lines’ success,” she said.
“I am honoured to join CLIA and support the industry’s sustainability agenda,” Maubanc added.
“Never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency for building sustainable transport pathways, in particular in the context of implementing the EU Fit-for-55 policy package. This notably includes increasing the scalability and competitiveness of renewable fuels and establishing a stable and secure supply chain for maritime as an integral part of the transportation sector.
“The cruise industry is an important driver of European competitiveness and maritime industrial innovation, and I look forward to working with policymakers, ports and destinations, and CLIA-member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level,” Maubanc said.
Prior to joining CLIA, Maubanc was head of EU Affairs and General Manager at Neste, a producer of renewable fuels and circular solutions.
Before being employed at Neste, Maubanc was General Manager at Liquid Gas Europe, a non-profit association representing the liquid gas industry in Brussels.
