A seasoned executive with extensive experience in the tourism sector, bringing over 25 years of international experience to the role.
Their expertise and knowledge of public affairs and trade associations will facilitate their integration into CLIA.
CLIA Europe, the association that represents the cruise industry and contributes billions to the European economy, announced that Raphael von Heereman will be the new Secretary General from February 2015.
Von Heereman is an executive with extensive experience in the travel and airline industry, bringing over 25 years of international experience to the role after working for several airlines. He will take up his post in February 2015 in Brussels as Secretary General of CLIA Europe, succeeding the current Secretary General, Robert Ashdown.
Regarding Robert Ashdown, CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy said: “I want to express the industry’s deep gratitude to Rob Ashdown for successfully transitioning the European representation of the cruise industry into a network of independent, yet unified, associations working together under the leadership of CLIA Europe.”.
“We will miss Rob’s exemplary representation, his dedication and commitment to the cruise industry, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We are also grateful that he has agreed to work alongside his successor in early 2015 to ensure the smoothest possible transition,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and Chairman of CLIA Europe.
Regarding von Heereman's appointment, Christine Duffy commented: “We are delighted that Raphael von Heereman has accepted the position of Secretary General of CLIA Europe. The CLIA Europe Executive Committee and Selection Committee, chaired by David Dingle, have reviewed numerous candidates in recent months and have no doubt that he possesses the necessary experience and skills to take the association to the next level. Having previously served as an industry representative to the European Commission and the European Parliament, von Heereman is thoroughly familiar with Brussels and European Union policies. Furthermore, von Heereman has an in-depth understanding of the business of trade associations, gained through his various roles within the tourism industry, including several positions with airline associations. We are confident that these skills, combined with his experience, strong business acumen, and technical expertise, will enable him to make a smooth transition to Europe and its activities.”.
Prior to joining CLIA Europe, von Heereman worked for Lufthansa, TUIfly and Qatar Airways, where he held the position of Air Vice President for Political and Legislative Affairs.
