CLIA Europe represents the leading cruise companies operating in Europe. CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and is the leading authority of the global cruise community.
The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world.
About the Role
The Director General for Europe will have a unique opportunity to lead CLIA engagement in the region at a critical time of implementation of the Fit for 55 legislations which will inform the decarbonization strategy of the industry for the coming years. This role will be responsible for leading actions to support the industry’s commitment to sustainable transportation and responsible tourism practices.
Responsibilities
* Responsible for the overall management and leadership of the association’s activities in Europe as head of the region on behalf of the association.
* Oversee and manage CLIA’s resources in Europe, both personnel and fiscal, in an efficient and competent manner—fostering a results-driven culture of accountability, quality and innovation while ensuring operational excellence.
* Take the lead in proactively identifying issues that could impact the industry before they become problems and/or spotting potential opportunities and then, in partnership and collaboration with the global team and related committees, addresses these issues/opportunities.
* Participate in both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings and ensure that these bodies perform as lively and dynamic forums to address the main issues facing the industry.
* Work with the CLIA Global organization to identify, and support business development activities including the Executive Partner program at the Global and national levels, active engagement and participation at key cruise and shipping industry conferences and the ongoing development of travel agent distribution activities at the National level.
* Provide critical input in the association’s annual strategic plan and develop and implement the supporting strategic plan for Europe, including delivery of key initiatives.
* Track progress and provide regular updates on progress toward achievement of established targets and goals.
* Support the President and CEO and the European Executive Committee in making strategic decisions about the deployment of strategies and resources.
* Update and gain input from the European regional advisory committee (comprised of key executives from the major member cruise lines in Europe) on issues, opportunities, and results related to the organization’s activities in Europe.
* Maintain and enhance existing member relationships, and work to establish consensus among members, who are often fierce market competitors, on issues important to the industry.
* Maintain a continual awareness of and contact with public officials who may have an impact on the cruise industry in partnership with his/her team, as well as member company executives.
* Act as CLIA’s primary point of contact for European institutions — representing CLIA in day-to-day dealings with the European Commission, Parliament, Council and other bodies as appropriate.
* Ensure the development of policies and programs intended to advocate on behalf of the industry in a variety of different settings, including the EU parliament and other elected officials at the local, regional, and national level.
* Participate in media roundtables and interviews, and act as a spokesperson for the association and the industry to a wide body of key constituents, as well as maintain contacts with journalists and specialized media in conjunction with and/or coordinating with the global head of strategic communications.
* Represent CLIA at conferences and events, providing formal presentations and participating in critical networking.
Candidate Profile and Qualifications
The successful candidate will have executive presence and gravitas to be viewed as a peer by industry leaders and will possess the ability to be a credible and well-regarded spokesperson for complex issues or causes. Given the diverse nature of the CLIA’s membership, success on behalf of the cruise industry will require the Director General to be a superb communicator with the ability to develop outstanding relationships with CLIA’s members, including volunteer leaders, allied partners, as well as with the global leadership team.
* Strong political acumen in the context of European public policy and advocacy paired with an understanding of the media—particularly in the face of external forces that impact the cruising industry.
* Thorough knowledge of European Union institutions and EU policies, related to climate change, energy, transportation and consumer policies.
* An effective and collaborative leader of teams and have a strong internal and external customer service orientation.
* Demonstrated stature and presence necessary for his/her significant external roles.
* Hands-on and accountable leader willing to “roll up their sleeves” and be an active contributor to the organization’s success.
* Highly energetic, collaborative, strategic, servant-leader with strong business and interpersonal acumen.
* Outstanding judgment and critical thinker.
* Demonstrated organizational abilities, skilled at leading a team to execute and deliver results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
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