Top management profiles

Pierfrancesco Vago - Executive Chairman

As Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago leads the strategy and long-term vision for the Cruise Division of MSC Group, focusing on the Company’s sustained global growth and the development of its fleet and terminal portfolio, such as those in Miami, Florida, Durban in South Africa and Barcelona, Spain.

As well as spearheading the fleet’s growth, which will see the contemporary MSC Cruises brand grow to 25 ships by 2027, Mr Vago also oversaw the inception of the luxury ocean travel brand of the Cruise Division, Explora Journeys, in 2023. EXPLORA I was launched as the first of six ships to join the fleet by 2028.

Mr. Vago also oversees the MSC Group’s subsidiaries with strategic relevance to the tourism sector, including Italian ferry operators GNV and SNAV.

As Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, he oversees MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, such as the coral protection and ecosystem restoration work being undertaken at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private Bahamian island, as well as humanitarian and cultural projects across the world.

As a wider influence on the global cruise industry, Mr Vago shaped the pathway out of the COVID pandemic as Global Chairman of CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association). He more recently assumed the position of Chairman, CLIA Europe.

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

Mr. Vago studied Economics in the UK, at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge.

Gianni Onorato - Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato oversees the Company’s growth from its Geneva-based headquarters and reports to the Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago.

With over 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Mr. Onorato has a finely developed understanding of the cruise business and extensive knowledge in senior executive leadership, having served as President of Costa Cruises from 2004 to 2013.

Born in Italy, Mr. Onorato graduated from Naples’ Istituto Orientale with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature in 1983 and then specialized at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.

He began his cruise industry career in 1986 at Costa Cruises as Food and Beverage Manager before becoming Cruise Product Director. From 1997 he served as Vice President & Cruise Operations Director and was responsible for logistics and provisioning, as well as all activities relating to calls, excursions, and hotel operations.

Emilio La Scala - President and Managing Director - MSC Cruise Management (UK)

As President and Managing Director of MSC Cruise Management, Emilio La Scala is in charge of MSC Cruises’ Technical Operations and New Building Departments. La Scala recently lead the department’s transition from Sorrento (Italy) to Stockley Park (UK).

His responsibilities encompass the company’s safety, security and environmental programmes; the development of comprehensive fleet quality assurance; and extensive renovation projects along with overseeing the project management of new builds.

La Scala studied at the Naples Nautical Institute, graduating in 1978. He then embarked with MSC Cargo vessels as a deck officer, obtaining the certifications and requirements required to pursue a maritime career. In 1984 he started working as assistant to MSC’s Technical Director, taking part in the renovation and repurposing of traditional cargo ships to container ships.

In 1990, following MSC’s acquisition of the SS Monterey, La Scala became General Manager of MSC Cruises’ Technical Department, heading a team of more than 100 personnel in charge of planning, building and managing MSC’s expanding fleet of cruise ships.