Kazakos has been the Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the representative National-Member Association of Cyprus at ICS, since 1995.
Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, expressed his enthusiasm for Kazakos’ appointment: “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 we need the right person to lead ICS. Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the ICS community and the entire shipping industry.”
Grimaldi emphasized that Kazakos is the ideal candidate to build on the significant achievements of Guy Platten over the past six-plus years. “Through Guy’s leadership, ICS has been at the forefront of developments in our industry, including decarbonization, energy transition, safety, and seafarer welfare. I am grateful to him for his professionalism in leading ICS and for the continuity plan 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.”
The recruitment process was conducted by the international search firm Odgers Berndtson, with members of the ICS board from across the world involved in the interview process.
Kazakos expressed his pride in being selected as the next Secretary General of ICS: “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.”
Kazakos highlighted the significant changes ahead for the industry and the importance of a strong and resilient organization to represent its members’ views effectively. “The IMO’s decarbonization agenda is front and center 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.”
Guy Platten reflected on his tenure as Secretary General: “The last six-plus years have undoubtedly been the most rewarding of my career, and it has been a privilege to have been Secretary General. I am so proud of 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.”
Platten also expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure: “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.”
