| Age | 64 |
| Occupation | Executive Chairman |
| Company | MSC Cruises |
| Country | Italy |
| Position Last Year | New |
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, is a visionary leader charting a bold course for one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise businesses. At the helm of MSC Cruises’ long-term strategy, Vago oversees not only the expansion of the fleet, which is set to reach 25 ships by 2027, but also the development of state-of-the-art cruise terminals in global hubs such as Miami, Durban, and Barcelona.
His leadership also sparked the launch of Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury travel brand. With EXPLORA I setting sail in 2023, it marked the beginning of a refined ocean experience that blends European elegance with immersive exploration. Five more ships are set to join the fleet by 2028, underscoring Vago’s commitment to redefining modern luxury at sea.
Beyond cruise lines, Vago’s influence extends to Italian ferry operators GNV and SNAV, vital to Mediterranean connectivity and tourism. He also serves as Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, supporting marine conservation efforts, like coral restoration at Ocean Cay in the Bahamas, as well as broader humanitarian and cultural projects worldwide.
His steady hand helped steer the cruise industry through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, notably as Global Chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and now as Chairman of CLIA Europe.
Vago’s journey began in logistics, working in his family’s business, Franco Vago SpA, before joining MSC’s cargo division in 2000. He rapidly rose through the ranks, applying the same strategic vision that now guides MSC’s cruise operations. Educated in Economics at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, his analytical approach matches his flair for global innovation.
Much like a Formula 1 team principal orchestrating a championship campaign, Vago synchronises vision, speed, and precision. Both cruising and F1 demand world-class engineering, customer experience, and flawless timing—whether it’s docking a megaship or hitting the apex at Monza. Vago’s leadership style, defined by agility and ambition, makes him a quiet force behind MSC’s pole position in the cruise industry.