As part of its structural development, the Columbia Group has filled a number of management positions.
Demetris Chryosostomou has been appointed CEO for the Asia region, while Norman Schmiedl is the new CEO of Columbia Blue. Simona Toma, most recently with competitor OSM Thome, has taken on the role of Chief of Maritime HR. Group CEO O’Neil plans to expand the company into new business areas.
Columbia says the appointments follow its strategy to grow the ship manager’s operations in “core sectors” such as shipping, offshore, energy, leisure and aviation, as well as expanding into other areas.
“These are not just leadership changes – they represent a structural evolution of Columbia Group as we expand our reach and service offering,” said Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group. “Demetris, Norman and Simona each bring extensive experience, proven leadership skills and a strong alignment with our values. Our industry is evolving rapidly with digitalization and the transition to new fuels. At the same time, the demands for flexibility and agility are increasing. At the same time, high standards in training, career development and crew well-being are required. Together, they will help us to lead precisely and purposefully in all our business areas.”
As CEO for the Asia region, Demetris Chrysostomou will be responsible for the Group’s strategic expansion in key Asian markets, including China, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan. His appointment reflects the “rapid development” of the Group in the region and the need to enable fast, locally focused decision-making by the top management team from the Singapore office, it said.
Norman Schmiedl takes on the role of CEO of Columbia Blue, the Group’s specialist leisure company. He brings with him management experience from the cruise and leisure industry. The success of the Cruise Saudi and Aroya projects has given Columbia Blue new momentum and laid the foundation for a number of other high-profile projects that have followed since. Schmiedl will now lead the next phase of growth in the high-end passenger ship segment and further strengthen Columbia’s presence in this dynamic and evolving market.
Columbia Group (© Columbia Group)
Simona Toma assumes the position of Chief of Maritime HR, guiding Columbia’s global crewing teams in their transformation from traditional crew management to a fully developed HR management model. She succeeds Faouzi Fradi, who has stepped down from the position. With her deep technical and maritime experience, Toma brings a “unique understanding of the operational realities of seafarers,” Columbia said. Her leadership will play a central role in driving global talent development, DEI and leadership training across the organization.
Columbia CEO: “Leadership structure highlights growth”
“These appointments reflect the group’s specialization, not only as a ship manager, but also as a cross-industry platform that delivers scalable, tailored solutions through technology, data and deep-rooted client partnerships,” O’Neil continued. “We have strategically created this new C-level leadership structure to reflect the continued growth of the company. Norman, Simona and Demetris are experts in their fields and I am delighted that they will be joining our leadership team and helping to shape the future of the Group.”
The changes come as Columbia Group invests in smart fleet technology, mental health and wellbeing and crew training programs. At the same time, it is expanding its global presence through new projects such as the recently signed joint venture with AD Ports Group.
