The Board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has elected John Denholm CBE as its new Chairman during the Annual General Meeting held in Rome, Italy. Denholm takes over from Emanuele Grimaldi, who has held the position since June 2022. A chartered accountant, Denholm has been with the family-owned shipping company J. & J. Denholm since 1993 and currently serves as its Executive Chairman.
In his inaugural remarks, Denholm expressed his honor in assuming the chairmanship, particularly during a challenging time for the global economy and the shipping industry. He acknowledged the sector’s ongoing struggles with geopolitical tensions, security threats, and rapid technological advancements. Despite these challenges, he emphasized shipping’s critical role in maintaining global trade and delivering essential goods and energy.
Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of ICS, welcomed Denholm, highlighting his extensive experience as a shipowner and industry leader. Kazakos also praised Grimaldi for his exceptional leadership during a tumultuous period in maritime history, noting his guidance through significant challenges, including attacks on civilian shipping and shifts in global trade patterns. Grimaldi’s contributions to ICS and the broader shipping community have been significant.





