Pierfrancesco Vago is the Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises since 2013. Prior to that, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, he led MSC Cruises to over 800% growth since its inception.Pierfrancesco Vago is the Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises since 2013. Prior to that, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, he led MSC Cruises to over 800% growth since its inception.

In his position, Mr Vago leads the company’s ongoing strategy and long-term vision from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. He also oversees all of the MSC Group’s subsidiaries with strategic relevance to the tourism sector. 

Mr Vago has spearheaded the launch of the Company’s unprecedented 10-plus year investment plan, supporting the next phase of MSC Cruises’ growth. The plan encompasses 11 new next-generation mega cruise ships coming into service between 2017 and 2026, reflecting an investment of €9 billion. This will result in MSC Cruises’ passenger capacity tripling in the next 10 years.

Mr Vago entered the MSC Group in 2000, piloting a joint venture between the Italian-based ferry company SNAV and the Hoverspeed Sea container Group. In 2001, he rose to the position of Line Manager for the USA, Mexico and Canada within the Group’s container shipping business, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. 

In January 2014 Mr Vago became Chairman of CLIA Europe, the European branch of the cruise industry’s global association, a position that he held until December 2016. During this time Mr Vago led CLIA Europe to take an increasingly more central role in engaging with all the relevant European and national authorities and legislative bodies across the Continent, with a particular focus on Brussels, and in close cooperation with CLIA Global, out of Washington, DC.

As a member of CLIA’s Global Executive Committee, Mr Vago remains closely involved in the cruise association’s work and activities. He is also a member of the European Executive Committee and Board.

Today, MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and the fourth largest overall. It is also the brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, employing over 16,000 staff and with offices in 45 countries. 

Mr Vago is married, with two children, he was honoured by the British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2017.