CLIA Conference 2024 Speaker & Special Guests Guide

23 - 25 may 2024
Speakers
& SPECIAL GUESTS
cruising.org @cliauk cliaeurope cliaeuro cliaeurope

Mel Evans
PArtnerships & Projects Editor
Mel has been at Metro.co.uk since 2017, first writing about
glamorous, famous people as Deputy Entertainment Editor before
she moved into her role as Partnerships and Projects editor in
early 2023, leading cross platform partnerships on Metro print
and online. Now her days are focused on bringing all the brilliant
travel editorial to life to the millions of daily readers, across
various touchpoints and watching Metro’s engagement flourish
across the brand.
23 - 25 may 2024

Phil Hullah
CEO
Phil has been CEO of Riviera Travel since March 2020, joining just
before COVID, initially guiding the business through the pandemic,
overseeing its successful reemergence and now steering Riviera
into a very exciting phase of innovation and growth
Prior to Riviera, Phil has held a number of senior positions in a wide range of digitally
orientated consumer business including being MD of Laithwaites Wine, CEO of
AVADO Learning and Commercial & Digital Director of John Lewis
23 - 25 may 2024

Kelly Craighead
President & CEO
Kelly Craighead is President and CEO of Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA), representing an expansive community of
the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise
lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community;
and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports &
destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.
As President and CEO, Kelly is responsible for leading the organization’s work as the
leading authority and voice of the industry across the association’s five operating
regions, including North America, Europe, Australasia, Brazil, the United Kingdom
and Ireland. An important part of her leadership is directing the development
and execution of the organization’s advocacy strategy and initiatives, which are
designed to support the broad international business coalition that comprises the
global cruise industry.
Under her leadership, CLIA and its members are paving the way in responsible
tourism practices, significantly increasing the industry’s collective investment
in research, development, and education, as well as executing advocacy and
promotional efforts that add and create value for the cruise community and its
partners.
Kelly joined CLIA in January 2019, bringing with her over 20 years of executive
leadership experience from both the public and private sectors, including serving
as the Deputy Assistant for Travel and Tourism, the U.S. Government’s senior
representative for Travel and Tourism.
23 - 25 may 2024

Nirmal Saverimutt
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Nirmal is a founding member of Virgin Voyages, joining the brand
in 2015 to craft the initial business plan and secure funding. He
has worked within Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group for 17 years,
having started his career at Goldman Sachs.
As Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal is part of creating an Epic Sea Change, responsible
for all sailor facing and commercial operations. Nirmal is part of the founding team
of Virgin Voyages where he crafted the Company’s initial business plan and was
part of the team that sourced the Company’s start-up funding.
Before joining Virgin Voyages, Nirmal served as Principal at Virgin Group based
in New York City, where he oversaw Virgin’s investments in North America with a
focus particularly on the funding and creation of Virgin America and Virgin Hotels.
Prior to that, Nirmal worked in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs &
Co. Nirmal is Sri Lankan, was born in Zambia and has lived in the UK and Australia.
He resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife, Leandra and two children. Nirmal has an
MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of
Commerce (First Class Honors) from the University of Sydney.
23 - 25 may 2024

DONDRA RITZENTHALER
Incoming CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dondra Ritzenthaler is the incoming Chief Executive Officer of
Azamara Cruises, an award-winning, high-end, small ship cruise
line based in Miami-Florida.
A 40-year veteran of the travel industry executive,Dondra recently left her position
as Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Services forthe Americas for
Celebrity Cruises. In this role, she oversaw nearly 700 employees including the
Marketing Sales Directors and Managers, Strategic Marketing Managers, Charter
Sales, Inside Sales Representatives, National and Corporate Account Managers
in the field, and the support staff at corporate headquarters in Miami. Dondra also
led National Accounts, Trade Support and Service, including Reservations, Group
Sales, and Customer Service, as well as the line's Consumer Outreach division,
Onboard Cruise Sales and internal SalesSupport.
In her 20 years with Royal Caribbean/CelebrityCruises, Dondra is widely credited
for raising awareness of the importance of travel advisors. She created multiple
travel advisor facing programs designed to help build their business.
Dondra is also a well-respected member of the community. She serves families on
the Board of Directors of the Jack and Jill Late-Stage Cancer.
23 - 25 may 2024

JASON WORTH
VICE PRESIDENTINTERNATIONAL SALES
Jason Worth is Oceania Cruises’ Vice President, International
Sales, a role he has held since August 2023, heading up the line’s
sales operations in the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America
and Brazil.
Prior to this he was, responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued
growth of the company’s presence in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market.
Jason has worked for Oceania Cruises’ parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line
Holdings since 2011. He has held a number of positions including Oceania Cruises
Vice President, Sales & General Manager, Asia Pacific; and Vice President Finance
& Accounting – Asia Pacific at NCLH, and roles in Finance, Treasury and Investor
Relations.
Jason is an active member of the CLIA Australasia Executive Committee.
23 - 25 may 2024

Paul Ludlow
President
Paul Ludlow was appointed Carnival UK president in June 2023
in addition to his leadership role for P&O Cruises.
In his consolidated position, Ludlow has accountability for Carnival UK which
includes P&O Cruises and Cunard globally.
With over 20 years experience in the cruise industry, his remit also includes the
continued development of P&O Cruises, the UK’s market leading cruise line, for
which he has held responsibility since 2018. This includes the two LNG-powered
185,000 tonne Excel class ships – Iona, which joined the fleet in May 2021 and Arvia,
launched in December 2022. These ships continue the evolution of the company
with contemporary innovations, brand partnerships and guest experiences.
Cunard expanded its fleet with the delivery of Queen Anne in May 2024 which will
build on the rich legacy of this exceptional brand.
23 - 25 may 2024

LAURA HODGES BETHGE
President
Laura Hodges Bethge is president of Celebrity Cruises, one of five
cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean
Group. She assumed the role on May 1, 2023, ascending from
executive vice president of shared services operations, responsible
for Royal Caribbean Group’s safety, security and environment,
risk management and crew movement teams.
Prior to that, Laura was senior vice president of product development for Royal
Caribbean International and led the teams conceptualizing the largest global cruise
line’s groundbreaking ships, private island destinations, and new experiences
introduced throughout the award-winning fleet, including the first island in Royal
Caribbean’s Perfect Day Island Collection – Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Over more than two decades, Laura also held positions with the company in hotel
and marine operations, sales, marketing, international market development and
investor relations.
23 - 25 may 2024

Katie McAlister
President
Katie McAlister was appointed President of Cunard in August
2023 and is charged with overseeing the strategic direction of
the business as well as delivering the launch of Cunard’s newest
ship, Queen Anne.
Katie joined Cunard following a 20-year career with TUI – most recently as Chief
Marketing Officer, UK & Ireland. Her remit saw her lead on sales channels and
marketing in the UK & Ireland for TUI, First Choice and Marella Cruises, alongside a
global responsibility for the TUI brand and digital marketing.
A dynamic and forward-thinking leader, Katie boasts a plethora of commercial and
operational experience, as well as digital transformation expertise and strategic
aptitude.
She joins Cunard at an exciting time for the British heritage brand as they look to
increase brand awareness and their status as a leading luxury cruise line ahead of
the introduction of Queen Anne in May 2024.
23 - 25 may 2024

Jeff Corwin
nature & adventure ambassador
For nearly three decades, Jeff Corwin has been telling stories
of wildlife and nature to a global audience through his many
celebrated television series on ABC, NBC, Travel Channel, CNN,
Food Network, Disney Channel, and Discovery Networks.
Jeff is currently the creator, executive producer, and presenter of the groundbreaking
television series Wildlife Nation, which debuted as the top-rated TV programme
on ABC in October 2021. Wildlife Nation explores the remarkable story of North
American conservation.
Jeff’s television work has been awarded multiple Emmys and the top broadcast
industry awards. Jeff’s acclaimed NBC documentary and book, 100 Heartbeats,
engaged both the readers and broadcast audience in the 21st Century plight of
endangered species. In addition, Jeff has authored 10 books on wildlife and nature,
including Living on the Edge, Amazing Relationships in the Nature World.
Jeff and Carnival Corporation partnered to create the wildly popular ABC series
Ocean Treks, which introduced millions of viewers to adventure, nature, and
culturally focused cruising. Ocean Treks’ mission is to inspire a deeper connection
to sustainability and our planet’s natural treasures. Today, Jeff serves as Ambassador
of Environmental Excellence, Nature, and Adventure for Princess Cruises. When
Jeff is not exploring the world, you can find him at his island home off Cape Cod,
where he exercises his maritime muscles as a passionate commercial fisherman.
23 - 25 may 2024