CLIA Names Thomas Fischetti Chief Financial Officer

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Cruise Lines International Association

May 13, 2013, 09:27 ET

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced that it has named Thomas Fischetti to the position of chief financial officer, reporting to CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. His responsibilities for the global cruise industry trade association include financial management, accounting, contracting and internal controls, IT, human resources and oversight of the association's facilities.

"We are very excited to welcome Tom to CLIA," said Duffy. "Tom's strong background in finance and accounting, demonstrated management skills and proven track record in trade association leadership make him an ideal fit for this important role. Tom also has valuable experience as a senior executive within an international trade association, and we look forward to the many contributions he will make within CLIA's global organization."

CLIA recently announced eleven independent cruise organizations from around the world had joined together to become part of an integrated structure to serve as the voice of the cruise industry. Fischetti's extensive global management and operating experience will be of great benefit to CLIA as it transitions from an association serving 26 member lines in North America to one that represents over 60 member lines in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Additionally, he brings to CLIA a wealth of knowledge and operating experience in some of the cruise industry's rapidly expanding markets —including Asia, Latin America and the European Union — which he will use to support CLIA's continued globalization.

Prior to joining CLIA, Fischetti served as chief financial officer and senior vice president at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), where he had responsibility for the finance, IT and contracting functions and led a team in the United States and Europe. Fischetti is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

William Gee who has been serving as CLIA's interim CFO will continue as a consultant to CLIA working directly with Fischetti.

About CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA's Associate Member and Executive Partner programs include the industry's leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association