Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) confirms two high-level appointments. Niels Wammen-Jensen has been appointed Executive Vice President for International Regions, a new position based in Brussels; and Nikos Mertzanidis has been promoted to CLIA Executive Director for Europe, also based in Brussels.
Wammen-Jensen, who currently serves as Vice President of the Government Affairs Group for Europe at MSC Group and leads relations with European Union institutions on maritime and transport policy issues, will officially join CLIA on August 21, 2025. Based in Brussels, he will report directly to Charles (Bud) Darr, CLIA's Chairman and CEO. Wammen-Jensen brings extensive experience in maritime policy, international regulation, and European public affairs to his new role, where he will be responsible for cross-functional coordination across all regions outside North America, working alongside CLIA's key regional leaders
- Nikos Mertzanidis, CLIA, Europe
- Andy Harmer, CLIA, United Kingdom and Ireland
- Joel Katz, CLIA, Australasia
- Marco Ferraz, CLIA, South America (Brazil)
In addition, Wammen-Jensen will collaborate with leaders in CLIA's key functional areas—essential for delivering value to its members—in conjunction with:
- Mike McGarry, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Executive Director for North America
- Donnie Brown, Senior Vice President for Maritime Policy
- Anne Madison, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications
Nikos Mertzanidis was formally promoted to Executive Director for Europe, effective July 1, 2025, after serving in the role on an interim basis for several months. Mertzanidis joined CLIA in 2016 and most recently held the position of Vice President for Ports and Destinations and Taxation in Europe. His promotion recognizes his exceptional leadership, public policy expertise, and proven ability to effectively represent the cruise industry before European institutions.
“Together, the experience of Niels and our functional and regional leaders reflects the scale and sophistication of our industry, as well as our commitment to globally connected and locally empowered leadership,” said Bud Darr, CLIA President and CEO.
“Their collaboration is essential to advancing CLIA’s global mission and ensuring consistent, high-impact engagement in the markets, as our members continue to advance an ambitious sustainability agenda and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to responsible operations.”
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