Today the board of directors of the International Chamber of Directors Shipping (ICS) met at Palazzo Valentini, in Rome, appointed unanimously John Denholm as the new president. Denholm, who takes over the office from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grimaldi Euromed, Emanuele Grimaldi, who concluded his four-year term, he joined the company J. & J. Denholm, becoming one of the CEO in 1993. He currently holds the position of Executive Chairman of J. & J. Denholm and Denholm Energy Services. Over the course of his career, John has held numerous leadership positions in the maritime sector, including the Chairmanship of the UK Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO.

Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the ICS, expressed «sincere gratitude to Emanuele Grimaldi for his outstanding leadership over the past four years. His presidency - he pointed out - coincided with one of the most of recent maritime history. Under his leadership, the ICS has helped to guide the sector in responding to the needs of the attacks on civilian shipping and the interruption of the main trade routes, in adapting to significant changes in the global business models and involvement in a global business programme unprecedented international regulatory reform. His contribution to both the ICS and the wider maritime community is has been immense".