CLIA appoints Samuel Maubanc as managing director in Europe

As director of the association's Brussels-based European office, Maubanc is responsible for driving advocacy efforts on behalf of CLIA member cruise lines operating in Europe and advocating for policies that support the sector's energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as the cruise industry's commitment to ports and destinations that prioritize, support and promote responsible growth.

In addition to his previous experience leading an industry trade association, Maubanc has nearly two decades of experience in EU policy and public affairs, with a focus on decarbonization ambitions driven by increased availability of sustainable fuels at competitive prices and security of supply channels in the transport sector.

Kelly Craighead, CLIA's president and CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to CLIA and are confident that his leadership and policy expertise will help support and accelerate the cruise industry's ambitious sustainability agenda. As a highly respected cruise rights advocate with specialized knowledge of circular and renewable energy solutions, Sam will undoubtedly help our industry further develop its strong policy positions and priorities in ways that continue to foster the success of our member companies.

“It is an honor for me to join CLIA and support the industry’s sustainability agenda,” said Maubanc. “Never before has there been this level of momentum, complexity, and urgency to build sustainable transport pathways, particularly in the context of implementing the EU’s Fit-for-55 policy package. This includes, in particular, increasing the scalability and competitiveness of renewable fuels and establishing a stable and secure supply chain for shipping as an integral part of the transport sector. The cruise industry is a major driver of European competitiveness and maritime industrial innovation, and I look forward to working with policymakers, ports and destinations, and CLIA member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level,” Maubanc added.

Before joining CLIA, Maubanc was Director of EU Affairs and General Manager at Neste, a leading producer of renewable fuels and circular solutions. During his tenure at Neste, Maubanc was an influential voice in policy discussions related to sustainable energy pathways and related issues. Notably, he was central to discussions promoting all relevant pieces of EU legislation and regulations, including the revision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive and the newly created EU SAF mandate under ReFUEL EU Aviation. Prior to Neste, Maubanc was General Manager of Liquid Gas Europe, a non-profit association representing the liquefied gas industry in Brussels. He holds an Executive Master's in Management from the Solvay Business School in Brussels and a Master's in European Studies from Aalborg University, Denmark.