Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced Thomas P. Ostebo will join CLIA as president and chief executive officer, effective July 6, 2015. Selected by CLIA’s Global Executive Committee, Ostebo will oversee CLIA operations both domestically and internationally, working directly with his senior leadership team to execute the organization’s vision and work on behalf of CLIA members.
The appointment follows the departure of Christine Duffy, former CLIA president and chief executive officer, on January 31, 2015, who went on to become president of Carnival Cruise Line. CLIA relied on the services of executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to lead the search for a new president and CEO.
Ostebo has more than 30 years of experience leading large organizations. He joins CLIA from the United States Coast Guard, where he served as Rear Admiral. Most recently, Ostebo was director of strategic management, where he supported strategy and budget policy for the Coast Guard. Ostebo also served as Commander for the Coast Guard 17th District and led all Coast Guard Operations in Alaska, the Arctic and North Pacific, where he was responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing federal laws and treaties, preserving the living marine resources and promoting national security.
Among his priorities, Ostebo will continue to enhance the Travel Agency, Individual Travel Agent and Executive Partner member programs that were introduced in fall 2014, as well as the new Travel Agent professional development training. Ostebo will be located at CLIA global headquarters in Washington D.C., and work with CLIA’s 15 offices across the globe, including Abremar-Brasil, Alaska, Australasia, Belgium & Luxembourg, Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, North America, North Asia, North West & Canada, Southeast Asia, Spain and UK & Ireland.