The CLIA Europe general assembly has voted to appoint Kyriakos Anastassiadis, chief executive of Celestyal Cruises, as the organisation’s next chairman.

First appointed to the European executive committee of the Cruise Lines International Association three years ago, Anastassiadis takes over the role from Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, who has been the organisation’s chairman for the last three years.

Anastassiadis said: “I feel honoured and humbled by the General Assembly’s trust in me as CLIA Europe Chair and I look forward to continuing the work and effectiveness of CLIA Europe in representing all of its Members and ensuring the future success of the cruise industry.

“We have an effective team of professionals working at CLIA and are developing a stronger presence in Europe.

“I remain fully committed to matching my peers’ trust with my outmost dedication during the upcoming years.”

Anastassiadis takes on the crucial role of representing the views of the smaller CLIA Europe Cruise Line Members like Celestyal, as well as all of its other members when he takes up the role on January 1st.

Raphael von Heereman, secretary general of CLIA Europe, said: “I would like to welcome the appointment of Kyriakos and I look forward to working with him.

“I also thank Pierfrancesco for his restless support and help in expanding our effectiveness in Brussels and other European capitals, in terms of government affairs, communication and business development.”