The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has announced a major leadership transition as the global maritime sector faces heightened geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and mounting regulatory pressures. At its Annual General Meeting held in Athens on 13 June 2025, ICS introduced John Denholm CBE as its Chairman Designate. Denholm, who currently serves as ICS Vice Chair and represents the UK on the Board, is also Chairman of the century-old J. & J. Denholm Limited, a diversified maritime and industrial group. He will officially assume the Chairmanship following the end of Emanuele Grimaldi’s term in June 2026.
The meeting, hosted in the Greek capital, was inaugurated by Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy for the Hellenic Republic. It drew attention not only for the leadership transition but also for the strategic decisions shaping the future direction of international shipping.
A key moment of the AGM was the formal handover of the Secretary General role from Guy Platten to Thomas Kazakos, former Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. The transition was marked by a ceremony attended by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, underlining Cyprus’ influential role in global maritime governance.
Kazakos, who joined ICS in April for a transition period, takes over at a critical juncture for the industry. His appointment reflects the ICS’s growing emphasis on leadership with strong regional insights and policy expertise. Platten, who served as Secretary General for seven years, was commended for steering the organisation through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal disruption, and complex climate policy negotiations at the IMO.
ICS also named three new Vice Chairs: Dr Gaby Bornheim (Germany), Carl-Johan Hagman (Japan), and Claes Berglund (Sweden), expanding the organisation’s global leadership footprint. Outgoing Vice Chairs Themis Papadopoulos (Cyprus) and Caroline Yang (Singapore) were acknowledged for their four years of service. Metin Düzgit (Türkiye), elected in 2023, continues his term.
Another significant development was the elevation of the Malta International Shipowners Association to full ICS membership. Previously an Associate Member, Malta’s transition underscores the island nation’s increasing influence in international maritime affairs and aligns with its growing ship registry and policy presence at IMO deliberations.
Discussions at the ICS Board Meeting revolved around mounting global trade tensions and the implications of increasing protectionism. Concerns over trade tariffs and decoupling between major economies were prominent, with Board members flagging the potential long-term disruption to maritime trade routes and port logistics.
Also on the agenda were the forthcoming GHG reduction measures expected to be adopted at the IMO’s extraordinary session in October. While the final framework remains complex, ICS played a leading role in shaping the proposals. These measures are anticipated to redefine how shipping companies plan fleet investments and operational strategies for decades to come.
Other critical topics included seafarer welfare and global supply chain resilience. The ICS reiterated its position on ensuring the well-being of maritime crews amid evolving regulations and persistent crew change challenges. The conversation further highlighted the need for unified advocacy and coordination across the maritime sector, especially in light of regional fragmentation in regulatory approaches.
Commenting on the transition, Emanuele Grimaldi said, “With all that is going on in the maritime space at the moment the industry needs strong governance and strong leadership. John has been involved with ICS for years and I am pleased that I will be able to pass the reins to such a knowledgeable leader… I also welcome Thomas as our new Secretary General. Thomas inherits a wonderful team, and I know he will be a force for good as we continue to represent our industry on the world stage.”
The decisions made at the ICS AGM in Athens reflect the industry’s shifting leadership dynamics and the ongoing evolution of maritime policy at a global level. With new appointments and strategic discussions setting the tone, ICS aims to position itself as a stabilising force as the shipping industry navigates through an increasingly fragmented geopolitical and economic environment.
