In addition, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC
Cruises, was named European Cruise Personality of the Year 2013, an award
sponsored by V. Ships Leisure and selected by Seatrade and V. Ships Leisure
from nominations received.
His leadership of over 15,500 employees in 45 countries is
dynamic, open-minded and characterised by a focus on team building.'
On presenting the Award to Mr Vago, Per Bjornsen, Commercial
Director of V.Ships Leisure, said 'V.Ships Leisure sponsor this award in the
memory of the late Mauro Terrevazzi who was the chairman of V.Ships Leisure and
a visionary of the modern cruise industry. It is with great pleasure to honour
Pierfrancesco Vago. Under his leadership MSC Cruises has developed to become
the world's largest privately owned cruise line. This has been achieved through
the implementation of a clearly defined strategy with enough flexibility to
adapt when the right opportunity arises.'
On receiving the award, Pierfranceso Vago said 'I am deeply
honoured to have been selected by Seatrade Insider as the European Personality
of the Year, especially as it comes at such a crucial moment for me and the
company I’ve been leading for 10 years. MSC Cruises has worked its way through
this complex business, making giant steps in a short amount of time. We’ve
grown-up and grown strong, creating a successful company – now the world’s
third largest cruise line - along the way. Today’s award is the symbol of that
success.'
