THE INTERNATIONAL Chamber of Shipping has appointed Thomas Kazakos as its next secretary general.

He will replace current incumbent Guy Platten, who is stepping down in June 2025.

Mr Kazakos has served as director general of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber since 1995. The national association represents Cyprus at the ICS.

ICS charman Emanuele Grimaldi said Mr Kazakos’ experience with the ICS and shipping industry made him “the ideal candidate” to build on Mr Platten’s work over the last six years.

“Through Guy’s leadership ICS has been at the forefront of developments in our industry, be that decarbonisation, energy transition, safety or seafarer welfare,” Mr Grimaldi said.

“I am grateful to him for his professionalism both in leading ICS and for the continuity plan that he has put in place to ensure that ICS continues to lead our industry in the decades to come.

“Guy will leave ICS in a robust state, both in the way it leads the agenda on so many issues, and in having sound finances.”

Mr Kazakos said the coming years would be a significant time of change for the industry.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

And outgoing secretary general Mr Platten said the last six-plus years in the role had been the most rewarding of his career.

“I am so proud in the way that the ICS team has stepped up to the many challenges thrown at us and the way that our industry has changed from one that too often just responded, to an industry that seeks to shape its future,” he said.

“During my time as secretary general, I have been supported by two wonderful chairmen, Emanuele Grimaldi and Esben Poulsson, along with an engaged and dedicated board and their associations.

“We have been able to strengthen the team at ICS and I am immensely proud of what they have achieved and what we will achieve before I finally step down next June at our AGM and conference in Athens. I know that Thomas will have a great team around him when he takes over the reins and I wish him and them fair winds and following seas.”

Mr Kazakos has a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master‘s Degree in European and International Trade Law from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

He began his career at the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation prior to joining the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. Mr Kazakos has represented Cyprus on the board of ICS and the European Community Shipowners’ Association in addition to being an Administrative Board member of the European Maritime Safety Agency.