CLIA Names Dick Sasso to Marketing Post

Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., has been named chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Marketing Committee effective January 1, 2009. He takes over for Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises.

Rick Sasso has been in the cruise industry for more than 36 years and involved in the travel industry for 40 years. After holding key positions at Costa Cruises and Chandris Cruises, he was part of the senior management team that launched Celebrity Cruises in 1990. He served as president of that line from 1995 to 2001 and was instrumental in establishing it as a top premium cruise line.

Mr. Sasso was named president and chief executive officer of MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. in April 2004 and has been charged with establishing a strong position for MSC Cruises in the North American market as the line dramatically increased its fleet to make MSC Cruises the fastest growing cruise line with the youngest, most modern fleet.