CLIA Appoints Samuel Maubanc as Director General for Europe

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading global authority for the cruise industry, has appointed Samuel Maubanc as Director General for Europe.

Based in Brussels, Maubanc will oversee CLIA’s European advocacy efforts, driving policies that promote the cruise industry’s energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050. His role also includes fostering collaboration with ports and destinations that prioritize responsible growth.

Samuel Maubanc

According to CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead, the association expects Sam’s leadership and policy experience to help support and accelerate the cruise industry’s ambitious sustainability agenda.

“As a respected advocacy expert with a specialization in renewable energy solutions, Sam will help accelerate our sustainability agenda and build on our strong policy positions to support our member lines,” she said.

Maubanc brings nearly 20 years of experience in EU policy and public affairs, particularly in decarbonization and the promotion of sustainable fuels.

Speaking about his new role at CLIA, he underscored the urgency of creating sustainable transport pathways, particularly under the EU’s Fit-for-55 policy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions. He emphasized the need for scalable renewable fuels and secure maritime supply chains, and the cruise industry’s role in boosting European competitiveness.

“I look forward to working with policymakers, ports, and CLIA-member cruise lines to help take the industry’s leadership to the next level,” Maubanc said.

Before joining CLIA, Maubanc served as Head of EU Affairs and General Manager at Neste, a leader in renewable fuels and circular solutions. He played a key role in EU policy discussions, including the revision of the EU Renewable Energy Directive and the creation of the EU SAF mandate under ReFuel EU Aviation.

Previously, Maubanc was General Manager at Liquid Gas Europe, a Brussels-based nonprofit advocating for the liquid gas industry.

He holds an Executive Master in Management from Solvay Business School in Brussels and a Master’s in European Studies from the University of Aalborg, Denmark.