During a special online meeting of its board, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) unanimously appointed Thomas A. Kazakos as its next Secretary General.
Kazakos will succeed Guy Platten, who is set to step down in June 2025.
Kazakos has served as the Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the National Member Association representing Cyprus at ICS, since 1995.
Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, commented: “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.”
The recruitment process was managed by the international search firm Odgers Berndtson, with ICS board members from around the globe participating in the interviews.
Kazakos holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) and a Master’s Degree in European and International Trade Law (LL.M) from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. His career began at the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation before he joined the Cyprus Shipping Chamber.
On the international stage, Kazakos has represented Cyprus on the ICS board and the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA). Additionally, he has served as an Administrative Board member of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
Thomas Kazakos stated: “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.”
