64. Pierfrancesco Vago

As Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago leads MSC Cruises’ strategy and long-term vision, focusing on the Company’s sustained growth and developing its fleet and terminal portfolio. In this role, which he assumed in 2013, he has spearheaded the launch of MSC Cruises’ second fleet expansion plan. It will see up to six ship classes join the Company’s fleet in ten years.

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Mr Vago also oversees the MSC Group’s subsidiaries with strategic relevance to the tourism sector, including ferry operator GNV and MSC’s future luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys, which is set to start operating in 2023.

As Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, he oversees the MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, humanitarian and cultural projects.

In January 2021, Mr Vago was appointed CLIA Global Chairman. In this position, he is leading the cruise industry’s efforts to resume service following the global halt of cruise operations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Vago has been closely involved in the cruise industry’s international association for many years, and from 2014 to 2016, he held the Chairmanship of CLIA Europe.

From 2003 to 2013, Mr Vago was MSC Cruises’ CEO. In this position, he oversaw MSC Cruises’ first phase of expansion, which saw the first 12 purpose-built cruise ships join the Company’s fleet in just ten years.

Mr Vago began his career in the family business, Franco Vago SpA, one of Italy’s leading transport companies. He joined MSC Group’s cargo business Mediterranean Shipping Company in 2000, becoming Line Manager for the USA, Mexico, and Canada in 2001.

Mr Vago studied Economics in the UK at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge.

Formula 1 welcomes MSC Cruises as a Global Partner for the upcoming 2023 season. The multi-year deal began at the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix2022 and saw Swiss-based MSC Cruises, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing cruise brands, become the Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman commented:

There is a solid shared ambition between us and F1 as we are committed to investing in research to accelerate the development and adoption of next-generation technologies – both maritime and environmental – to sustainably build the future of our industries. We are working to continuously improve environmental performance with a clear vision to create a lasting legacy for future generations. We look forward to developing our relationship together as this exciting season unfolds.