Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the appointment of Charles “Bud” Darr as president and chief executive officer effective February 3, 2025. Darr succeeds Kelly Craighead, who, earlier this year, announced her plans to leave the organization at year’s end.
Appointed by the Global Executive Committee, Darr returns to CLIA, having previously held the post of senior vice president of technical and regulatory affairs from 2010 to 2017. He joins CLIA from MSC Group where he served as executive vice president, maritime policy and government affairs for more than seven years. He has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including deputy chief of maritime and international law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine and Coast Guard.
In his role as president and CEO, Darr will lead the next phase of CLIA’s global strategy at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Darr brings vast maritime experience and relationships across the global cruise industry and its related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers.
Darr will draw on his extensive experience from the broader maritime community, including his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI), to enhance CLIA’s standing worldwide.
Darr began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the U.S. Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.
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