(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Thomas A. Kazakos, Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) has been appointed Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) from April 1, 2025, the CSC has announced, noting that this is the first time a Cypriot is taking the helm of the ICS.
Mr Kazakos will replace Guy Platten who will be stepping down in June 2025. Kazakos has been the Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the representative National-Member Association of Cyprus at ICS, since 1995.
CSC noted that Kazakos was selected amongst other internationally renowned candidates following a unanimous decision of the Board of Directors of the Organisation at a special meeting this morning "and constitutes a special honour for Cyprus Shipping and Cyprus in general, as this is the first time in the 100+ years of operation of the world’s foremost Shipping Association, that a Cypriot is taking the helm".
Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, said:
“After a thorough search and interview process my board is delighted to confirm the appointment of Thomas Kazakos to this important position for our industry. The coming decade will be pivotal for our industry, and it was important that we got the right person to lead ICS. Thomas brings a wealth of experience of the ICS community and the entire shipping industry. He is the ideal candidate to build on the great work that Guy has delivered over the past six plus years”.
As informed, the recruitment process was undertaken by the international search firm Odgers Berndtson with members of the ICS board from across the world involved in the interview process.
"I am very proud to have been selected to become the next Secretary General of ICS taking over from Guy next June. In my role with the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, I have seen first-hand and have contributed to the vital work that ICS undertakes. The coming years will be ones of significant change for our Industry and members, and it is vital that we have a strong and resilient organisation to ably represent their views", Kazakos commented.
"The IMO’s decarbonisation agenda is obviously front and centre for our industry and I know ICS is working closely with the IMO, governments and other stakeholders, to develop a credible system to support the transition. But there is so much more to do and I am excited to be given this opportunity to lead the amazing team at ICS and to work with our members as we address the many challenges that our industry encounters."
Source: International Chamber of Shipping
