The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) elected John Denholm CBE as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The decision was taken by the ICS Board of Directors at the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Palazzo Valentini in Rome, Italy.
John Denholm succeeds Emanuele Grimaldi, Chairman and Managing Director of Grimaldi Euromed SpA, who served as Chairman of the Board since June 2022.
A chartered accountant, John Denholm joined the family shipping company J. & J. Denholm, where he assumed the role of Managing Director in 1993. He is currently Executive Chairman of J. & J. Denholm and of Denholm Energy Services. Throughout his professional career, John has held numerous leadership positions in the maritime sector, including the presidency of the UK Chamber of Shipping and of Bimco.
John Denholm, current President of the International Chamber of Shipping, said that “it is a great honor to be appointed Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and to represent an industry that underpins global trade and prosperity. I take on this responsibility at a time of great upheaval and uncertainty for the global economy and international shipping.”
“Our sector continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, security threats, rapid technological change, the energy transition and evolving trade patterns. Yet, despite all the challenges, shipping continues to play its essential role: keeping global trade moving and supplying the goods, energy and resources on which societies depend. I look forward to working with the ICS Board of Directors and Secretariat during this crucial period for our sector,” commented Denholm.
Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, noted that “I am pleased to welcome John Denholm as Chairman of ICS. John brings decades of experience as a shipowner, business leader and industry representative, along with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.”
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Emanuele Grimaldi for his exceptional leadership over the past four years. His chairmanship coincided with one of the most demanding periods in recent maritime history. Under his direction, ICS helped guide the sector in its response to attacks on civilian shipping and the disruption of major trade routes, its adaptation to significant changes in global trade patterns, and its engagement in an unprecedented program of international regulatory reform. His contribution to both ICS and the wider shipping community has been immense,” stated Kazakos.
