The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that Thomas P. Ostebo will join CLIA as president and CEO, effective July 6. Elected by CLIA’s Global Executive Committee, Ostebo will oversee CLIA’s operations both domestically and internationally, working directly with its leadership team to execute the organization’s vision and serve all CLIA members.
Ostebo has over 30 years of experience leading large and complex organizations. He joins CLIA from the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served as Rear Admiral. Most recently, Ostebo was Director of Strategic Management, where he was responsible for leading Coast Guard strategy and budget policy. Ostebo also served as Commandant of Coast Guard District 17 and led all Coast Guard operations in Alaska, the Arctic, and the North Pacific, where he was responsible for protecting lives and property, enforcing federal laws and treaties, preserving marine resources, and promoting national security.
“After a rigorous selection process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of our new president and CEO, Thomas Ostebo,” said CLIA Global Chairman Adam M. Goldstein. “Ostebo brings his outstanding maritime experience and strategic business leadership to this important role, from which he will lead the global cruise industry association. We are confident that CLIA will thrive under his leadership in the years to come. Even more importantly, his excellent communication skills and energy make him the ideal person for this position.”.
Ostebo will lead CLIA to help all its members successfully achieve their goals, as well as unify, represent, defend, and promote the common interests of the global cruise industry. Among his priorities, he will continue to strengthen the Travel Agency Membership Program, the Individual Travel Agent Membership Program, and the Executive Partner Program, as well as the new professional development training for Travel Agents. Ostebo will serve from CLIA's global headquarters in Washington, D.C., and will work with 15 CLIA offices around the world: Abremar-Brazil, Alaska, Australasia, Belgium and Luxembourg, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, North America, North Asia, Northwest and Canada, Southeast Asia, Spain, and the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join an industry with such a history of success and growth. This appointment is a perfect step in my career, allowing me to leverage my experience and passions, from leading large and complex teams to advocating for maritime resources,” said Ostebo. “CLIA currently has a strong and distinguished leadership base, and I intend to build upon it and contribute new strategies and approaches to move CLIA and the cruise industry forward. Ultimately, my goal is to accomplish meaningful work and build strong relationships.”.
This appointment follows the departure on January 31 of this year of Christine Duffy, CLIA's former president and CEO. CLIA entrusted the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles with the search for the new president and CEO.
