Marie-Caroline Laurent will join the trade body on 15 November and move into the maritime sector following almost a decade at Iata, during which she held a number of roles including assistant director for EU Affairs. 

Laurent has also worked in policy development for the Association of European Airlines and served as a parliamentary adviser at the European Parliament, as well as senior policy officer at the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU.

Clia said Ukko Metsola would stay on as an adviser to the new director general until the end of the year before returning to Royal Caribbean Group.

President and chief executive Kelly Craighead thanked Metsola for his leadership in Europe “during a critical transitional period” as cruise lines returned to service following the Covid-enforced shutdown.

“I’m delighted to welcome Marie-Caroline Laurent, who will draw on a wealth of experience within the European transport policy arena to showcase cruise at the heart of sustainable tourism and demonstrate its value to the wider maritime sector. With extensive experience interfacing with EU Institutions, Marie-Caroline will be well positioned to continue to build Clia’s engagement on European policy issues within Brussels.”

Laurent said she was “passionate about the positive impacts” transport and tourism could have in supporting businesses and livelihoods.

“Cruise lines are at the forefront of green maritime innovation and are well positioned to help the EU to drive green growth. I’m looking forward to working together with cruise lines, our industry partners and policy makers to help drive Europe’s leadership in building a truly sustainable transport and tourism industry in Europe,” she added.