The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has appointed John Denholm CBE as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
The appointment was approved unanimously during the ICS Annual General Meeting held in Rome, Italy.
Denholm succeeds Emanuele Grimaldi, who served as ICS Chairman since June 2022 and led the organisation through a period marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and major regulatory changes affecting the shipping industry.
A qualified chartered accountant, Denholm joined the family-owned J. & J. Denholm shipping business before becoming Chief Executive in 1993. He currently serves as Executive Chairman of J. & J. Denholm and Denholm Energy Services. During his career, he has also held leadership roles at the UK Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and to represent an industry that underpins global trade and prosperity,” said Denholm.
He noted that the shipping industry continues to face geopolitical tensions, security threats, technological change, the energy transition and shifting trade patterns, while maintaining its essential role in global commerce.
Thomas Kazakos, Secretary General of ICS, welcomed the appointment and highlighted Denholm’s extensive experience as a shipowner, business leader and industry representative.
Kazakos also thanked Grimaldi for his leadership during a challenging period for international shipping, including attacks on commercial vessels, disruptions to major trade routes
