Bud Darr joins MSC to head up maritime policy and government affairs

MSC Group has appointed Bud Darr as executive vice-president for maritime policy and government affairs.

With 25 years’ experience in the maritime sector, Mr Darr joins from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) where he served as senior vice president of technical and regulatory affairs.

Mr Darr will hold global responsibilities for MSC Group’s different business interests, including the cargo, container terminal, and cruises divisions. He will also be involved in establishing and developing a central government affairs function at the group’s HQ in Geneva.

A spokesperson for MSC Group said establishing a central government affairs function to fully support overall business interests was a “top priority”.

“With his deep expertise and understanding of global maritime policy and regulatory matters, Mr Darr will be a great asset for our company,” added the spokesperson.

Mr Darr, who holds a law degree from George Washington University, joined the US Navy in 1983, before being appointed to the US Coast Guard. He became its deputy chief and attorney for the office of maritime & international and law.

His new role will not see him wave goodbye to his seven-year association with the CLIA, with MSC noting he will maintain ties to this and other associations.