Thomas Kazakos to take helm at the International Chamber of Shipping
Thomas Kazakos, the former director general of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), has announced his resignation from his position as director of Lordos Hotels to take on the role of Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
Kazakos' appointment to the ICS reflects the increasing prominence of Cyprus within the international shipping sector. His selection was unanimous among the ICS board of directors, which drew from a competitive pool of globally recognised candidates.
This marks the first time a Cypriot has been appointed to lead the ICS, an organisation headquartered in London that advocates for the global shipping industry before major regulatory bodies, including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The ICS represents associations accountable for over 80 per cent of the world's merchant fleet.
On LinkedIn, Kazakos expressed his appreciation for his extensive career, which he described as a transformative experience over the course of 33 years at the CSC. He characterised his tenure at the Chamber as akin to a "University of Life," wherein he gained invaluable knowledge and forged essential partnerships within the Cypriot shipping industry. Completing his farewell, Kazakos noted, “33 years of experience at the Cyprus Shipping Chamber were packed into 3 boxes tonight. A big ‘Thank you’ and ‘Goodbye’ to this ‘University of Life’ for all that it has offered me together with the special partners of Cyprus shipping – my ‘Odyssey’ continues.”
His upcoming role at ICS will involve leading significant initiatives aimed at addressing the numerous challenges faced by the global shipping industry. Drawing on three decades of experience at CSC, Kazakos is anticipated to bring a progressive approach to his leadership, allowing him to effectively represent the unique interests of the member associations within the ICS framework.
Kazakos' leadership is expected to be vital as the shipping industry navigates various pressures, including environmental regulations, advances in maritime technology, and ongoing changes in global trade dynamics. His previous experience in fostering collaboration and development within the Cypriot shipping sector positions him as a valuable asset in advocating for sustainable practices and innovation in shipping on a broader scale.