- Thomas A. Kazakos, Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, will succeed Guy Platten as ICS Secretary General in June 2025.
- The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process by Odgers Berndtson and the ICS board.
- Kazakos brings over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry and has held prominent roles in international shipping organizations.
- Outgoing Secretary General Guy Platten leaves behind a legacy of leadership in decarbonization, safety, and seafarer welfare.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) announced the unanimous appointment of Thomas A. Kazakos as its next Secretary General, a decision finalized during a special online board meeting. Kazakos will take over from Guy Platten, who has served in the role since 2018 and will step down in June 2025.
Leadership Transition and Industry Challenges
Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman of ICS, praised Kazakos as the ideal leader to navigate the maritime industry through a transformative decade. Grimaldi highlighted Kazakos’s extensive experience and his contributions to the ICS community and the broader shipping industry.
Outgoing Secretary General Guy Platten received accolades for his impactful tenure. Under his leadership, ICS emerged as a proactive force, addressing critical issues such as decarbonization, energy transition, and seafarer welfare. Grimaldi noted that Platten’s efforts have left ICS in a strong position both strategically and financially.
Kazakos’s Vision for the Future
Kazakos expressed his pride and gratitude for being chosen to lead ICS, emphasizing the importance of tackling industry challenges such as the IMO’s decarbonization agenda. He stressed the need for a strong and resilient ICS to represent members’ interests and foster collaboration with governments and stakeholders to address global maritime issues effectively.
Reflections from Guy Platten
Platten reflected on his tenure as a period of significant progress for ICS. He lauded the team’s transformation into a forward-looking organization that actively shapes the future of the maritime sector. Platten expressed confidence in Kazakos’s leadership and the team’s ability to build on ICS’s achievements.
About Thomas A. Kazakos
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. Since 1995, he has served as Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, representing Cyprus at ICS and other prominent organizations like the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
His career began at the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation, and he has remained a steadfast advocate for the maritime industry. Kazakos, who is married with four children, brings decades of expertise to his new role, ensuring a seamless transition and robust leadership for ICS.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: International Chamber of Shipping
