International Chamber of Shipping head to step down, marine director to retire

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) secretary general Guy Platten has announced he will leave the post "in the middle of 2025".

Mr Platten has held the role for six years, to date.

"Working as ICS secretary general has been the highlight of my career and I am proud of what we have achieved. This has not been an easy decision, but I feel it is the right time for someone else take the lead," Mr Platten said.

Saying he is will remain ’fully focused’ on his role in the months leading up to his departure, Mr Platten expressed confidence in the ICS board and its chairman in finding his replacement.

"I am positive that with our chairman, Emanuele Grimaldi, and the ICS Board, we will find the best person for the job," Mr Platten said.

The ICS said the move is "all part of a succession planning strategy instigated by Guy" to ensure continuity of service to its membership, which, the ICS says, consists of national shipowner organisations and represents more than 80% of the world’s merchant fleet of vessels.

"Our national member associations represent shipping companies from all sectors of the shipowner community. These include dry bulk carriers, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, container ships, general cargo ships, offshore support vessels and passenger ships," the company said. 

In addition to Mr Platten’s eventual departure, the ICS said its principal director of marine Chris Oliver will be retiring at the beginnng of 2025. 

"Recruitment for Guy’s successor will likely commence over the summer [of 2024] and the process for Chris is already underway to ensure there is a smooth handover," the organisation said.