CLIA Australasia appoints MD

CLIA Australasia appoints MD

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that Joel Katz will join CLIA Australasia as Managing Director, effective 1 January, 2017.

Katz brings 25 years of experience to the role in which he will oversee strategic direction and government relations for the organisation, as the region continues to see unprecedented growth.

Kratz come from the role as Executive Vice President of Grand Circle Cruise Line in the UK and supported the expansion of Grand Circle’s ocean ship business, driving excellence through the ocean cruise organisation. Prior to this he worked in Australia as Chief Operating Officer for Orion Expedition Cruises, and for both Hyatt and Marriott hotel companies.

CLIA president and CEO, Cindy D’Aoust said “Joel’s strong industry and operational experience make him an ideal fit for this position and I look forward to seeing CLIA Australasia thrive under his leadership.”

Effective 9 September, 2016, Neil Linwood will transition out of his role as CLIA Australasia’s Managing Director. Linwood has been with CLIA since 2014.

“On behalf of CLIA Australasia, I thank Neil for his exceptional work in laying strong foundations for the growth of cruising in this region,” CLIA Australasia Chairman Steve Odell said.

“Australasia’s cruise sector is particularly robust with annual cruise passenger numbers increasing more than six-fold over the past decade to now exceed one million. We look forward to welcoming and working beside Joel to continue the drive forward,” D’Aoust added.

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