Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has appointed Niels Wammen-Jensen (pictured left) as Executive Vice President, International Regions, a newly created role based in Brussels.
In addition, Nikos Mertzanidis (pictured right) has been promoted to Executive Director for CLIA in Europe, also based in Brussels.
Wammen-Jensen, who currently serves as Group Vice President, Government Affairs for Europe at MSC Group and leads engagement with European Union institutions on shipping and transport policy, will officially join CLIA on 21st August, 2025.
He will be based in Brussels and report directly to CLIA President and CEO, Charles (Bud) Darr.
He brings deep expertise in maritime policy, international regulation, and European public affairs to his new role at CLIA, where he will oversee cross-functional co-ordination across all regions outside North America – working with CLIA’s senior executive leader in each of those markets, which includes:
- Nikos Mertzanidis, CLIA, Europe.
• Andy Harmer, CLIA, UK & Ireland.
• Joel Katz, CLIA, Australasia.
• Marco Ferraz, CLIA, South America (Brazil).
He will also collaborate with leaders for CLIA’s core functional areas – central to how the association delivers value to its members – working in partnership with Mike McGarry, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Executive Director for North America; Donnie Brown, Senior Vice President of Maritime Policy; and Anne Madison, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications.
Mertzanidis was promoted to Executive Director for Europe effective 1st July, 2025, following several months in an acting capacity.
He joined CLIA in 2016 and most recently served as Vice President, Ports & Destinations and Taxation in Europe.
“Together, the expertise and experience that Niels and our functional and regional leaders provide in support of our cruise line members reflect the scope and sophistication of our industry and our investment in leadership that is globally connected and locally empowered,” Darr said.
“Their collaboration is essential to advancing CLIA’s global mission and ensuring consistent, high-impact engagement across markets, as our members continue to advance a strong sustainability agenda and demonstrate their longstanding track record and ongoing commitment to responsible cruise operations,” he added.
