Navios Maritime Partners has announced a series of senior leadership changes as the New York-listed diversified owner reshapes its top management structure under chairwoman and chief executive Angeliki Frangou.
At the centre of the move is the creation of an office of the chairwoman, designed to bring senior decision-making closer to the company’s long-term strategy across dry bulk, containers and tankers. Two newly created vice chair roles will sit within the office and report directly to Frangou.
Vasiliki (Villy) Papaefthymiou has been promoted to vice chairwoman of corporate transactions, drawing on more than 35 years of experience in shipping law, capital markets and M&A. Papaefthymiou joined the Navios group in 2005 and remains executive vice-president legal, secretary of Navios Partners and a board member at Navios Maritime Holdings.
Frangou said Papaefthymiou has been instrumental in building Navios Partners into its current form, citing her ability to execute complex cross-border deals.
Shunji Sasada has been named vice chairman of commercial operations, continuing his long-standing role in originating opportunities across the maritime sector. Sasada joined Navios in 1997 and has held a range of senior commercial and operational roles. He has served on the board since 2007 and is also a director of Navios Maritime Holdings.
Alongside the vice chair appointments, Navios Partners has promoted Anna Kalathakis to the newly created position of president. Kalathakis will work with the executive team to execute strategy, streamline management processes and drive operational efficiency. She joined the Navios group in 2005 and most recently served as chief legal risk officer.
Frangou said Kalathakis’ long tenure and deep understanding of risk and operations made her the right choice as the company pushes ahead in what she described as a “highly dynamic” shipping market.
The company also announced a broader layer of senior promotions as part of what it called the next phase of leadership development.
Sophia Tavla has been appointed senior vice president and head of the corporate legal group, overseeing legal and business affairs, corporate governance and SEC reporting. Alexandros Tsakonas moves into the role of senior vice president, legal risk management, with responsibility for transaction and operational risk across the group.
In finance, Grigoris Tzifas has been promoted to senior vice president – finance, taking charge of financial planning, reporting, internal controls and audit coordination.
Navios said the leadership changes are aimed at strengthening integration across its platforms and positioning the group for its next stage of growth under a more streamlined executive structure.
