ICS announces new leadership and strategic focus amid global maritime challenges

At its Annual General Meeting and Board Meeting in Athens, Greece, opened by Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) unveiled a series of leadership changes and strategic updates that signal a pivotal moment for the global shipping industry.

During the session, the ICS Board unanimously recommended John Denholm CBE as the next Chairman of the organization, succeeding current Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi. Denholm, who currently serves as Vice Chair and UK Board Member, is also Chairman of J. & J. Denholm Limited, a family-owned enterprise with diversified interests in shipping, logistics, seafood, and industrial services.

He will officially assume the Chairmanship following the conclusion of Grimaldi’s term at the ICS AGM in June 2026.

In another key leadership development, Thomas Kazakos has formally taken over as Secretary General, succeeding Guy Platten. Kazakos, formerly Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping, joined ICS in April to ensure a smooth handover. His appointment was recognized during the AGM by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who welcomed Kazakos into the role and commended Platten’s seven years of dedicated service.

Additionally, ICS confirmed the appointment of three new Vice Chairs: Dr. Gaby Bornheim of Germany, Carl-Johan Hagman of Japan, and Claes Berglund of Sweden. At the same time, the organization expressed its gratitude to outgoing Vice Chairs Themis Papadopoulos of Cyprus and Caroline Yang of Singapore for their four years of service.

Further strengthening its global representation, ICS announced that the Malta International Shipowners Association has been elevated from Associate to Full Member status.

This advancement reflects Malta’s growing influence in global maritime affairs at a time when the structure of international trade is undergoing considerable change.

The board’s discussions took place against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical uncertainty and growing protectionism.

ICS leaders emphasized the need for unified, effective leadership to guide the shipping industry through an increasingly complex landscape.

Central to the agenda were the upcoming greenhouse gas reduction measures expected to be adopted at the International Maritime Organization’s extraordinary session in October. These measures are set to reshape the future of global shipping.

Other major topics included the impact of global trade barriers, supply chain security, and the ongoing prioritization of seafarer welfare.

Concerns were raised about the growing trend of economic bifurcation and the reshaping of trade flows, which could significantly alter global shipping dynamics.

Emanuele Grimaldi, reflecting on the transitions, remarked that with all that is happening in the maritime space at the moment, the industry needs strong governance and strong leadership.

As the global shipping industry faces shifting regulations, volatile trade conditions, and environmental imperatives, ICS reaffirms its commitment to shaping a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking maritime future.

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