Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is scouting for a new president and chief executive after Cindy D’Aoust decided to step down at the end of the year.
D’Aoust, who has been at the helm of the trade association since March 2014, says she wants to focus on family priorities.
CLIA said she will remain in her role until a successor can be found and will assist in the transition to a new CEO.
CLIA’s global executive committee is said to be developing a transition plan that will include the search for D’Aoust’s replacement.
Arnold Donald, global chair of CLIA and chief executive of Carnival Corp, said in a statement: "CLIA has been fortunate to have Cindy at the helm for the last two years but we respect her decision to focus on her family and wish her all the best."
D’Aoust joined CLIA in December 2014 and served as its acting CEO and executive vice president of membership and operations prior to being appointed to the top job.
She was said to have brought more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and travel industries.
D’Aoust has been responsible for overseeing global operations at CLIA, which has 15 offices in different countries.
CLIA said it has retained the services of executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the hunt for a replacement.
