The women’s network WISTA International has elected a new president at its annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur. It has also welcomed four new national associations into its fold.
WISTA International has elected Céline Mortier as its new President. The former President of WISTA Belgium and CEO of the maritime services provider Bogerd Martin was officially appointed to her new role at this year’s WISTA International AGM and Conference 2026.
She succeeds Elpi Petraki, who concluded her four-year presidency of the global association at the event held in Kuala Lumpur from 28 to 30 October, having served two terms in office.
“I am delighted to take on the presidency of WISTA International at a time of continued growth for our global network, and I am committed to advancing WISTA’s mission and impact,” said Mortier.
This year’s General Assembly and Conference was jointly hosted by WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, WISTA Malaysia and WISTA Singapore. It brought together more than 250 professionals from the international maritime industry, logistics and trade.
“Our greatest strength lies in the knowledge, experience and connections within our global network. By bringing these together, strengthening cross-border collaboration and supporting our national WISTA associations, we can translate this collective expertise into effective action. We also have an important role to play in attracting the next generation of talent and highlighting the opportunities our sector offers,” added Mortier.
WISTA welcomes four new countries
During the General Assembly, four new national WISTA associations were announced: in the Bahamas, Egypt, Montenegro and the Philippines. This brings the total number to 64. WISTA now has more than 6,500 members worldwide.
Maryana Stober, Diruni Chanmugam and Amsha Gengan were also appointed to the Executive Committee of WISTA International. They succeed Jemilat Mahamah, Dafne Anghelidis and Raimah Chowdhury, who had served on the committee for four years. In addition, Mercantile Marine Management received the prestigious WISTA International Corporate Diversity Award.
In a video message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasised the importance of promoting women’s participation and gender equality in the maritime sectors. He highlighted the joint initiatives between the IMO and WISTA, which are specifically designed to promote inclusion, nurture future talent and achieve tangible progress.
As outgoing President of WISTA International, Petraki addressed Asia’s growing influence on global trade and the changes shaping the industry in her opening speech. She emphasised the value of cross-border cooperation and the development of future maritime leaders. At the same time, she reaffirmed WISTA’s commitment to equal opportunities for all.
“The challenges facing the maritime economy do not stop at national borders, and neither should our thinking,” she said. “Our reach continues to grow, but our impact extends beyond our membership numbers. It lies in the connections we build, the support we provide and the opportunities we help to shape.”
The next WISTA International AGM and Conference will take place in Brazil from 27 to 29 October 2027.
