Pierfrancesco Vago

Pierfrancesco Vago leads the Cruise Division of MSC Group – the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate. From the division’s global headquarters in Geneva, Mr Vago sets the strategy and long-term vision of MSC Cruises – the world’s third largest cruise brand – and is overseeing the establishment of the Explora Journeys luxury brand that will start operating in 2023. Mr Vago focuses on the two brands’ sustained growth, fleet development and the division’s overall terminal portfolio. He also oversees other MSC Group subsidiaries in maritime passenger shipping, including ferry operator GNV.

While as Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, Mr Vago leads MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, humanitarian and cultural projects seeking to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation.

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

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

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

He studied Economics at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, UK.