The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) has now introduced a new top management team: At the Controlling Council meeting in Hong Kong, it was decided that Krishnan Subramaniam FICS will take over from Luis Bernat FICS as International Chairman.
Subramaniam has been Vice Chairman of the institute since 2023 and brings with him more than three decades of experience in logistics, supply chain and training in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry. His work has focused on skills development and digitalization, among other things.
“It has been a pleasure to work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Council, the Controlling Council, the Branch Managers, Institute Director Robert Hill FICS and the dedicated Head Office team over the past two years.” Together with his predecessor and President Punit Oza FICS, they have strengthened the global reach, improved member retention and driven the Institute’s digital transformation.
“It is with great pride and honor that I now take up the position of Institute Chairman. Many ICS members and Fellows know my long-standing passion for the Institute and the career paths it creates for shipping professionals.” He is looking forward to continuing to support the international development of the Institute together with the newly elected Vice Chairman Marc Buchholz FICS and the new Vice President Natalia Margioli FICS.
Outgoing Chairman draws a positive balance
Outgoing Chairman Luis Bernat drew a positive balance of his term of office. “During my tenure, we have strengthened our financial position, expanded our global presence, developed professional standards and invested in education to support the next generation of maritime leaders,” said Bernat. His special thanks went to Subramaniam and Oza for their “outstanding collaboration and teamwork”. Bernat was optimistic about the future: the institute would continue to uphold integrity, promote innovation and play a central role in shaping global shipping.
German manager joins the international management team
Marc Buchholz FICS, a well-connected manager in the German shipping industry, is also joining the international management team. Buchholz founded Conmar Shipping GmbH & Co KG in 2012 and manages the company as Managing Partner. He has been a member of the ICS since 1998 and a Fellow since 2002. From 2005 to 2015, he was Chairman of the German Branch, where he remains President to this day. Most recently, he served as Chairman of the Finance & Audit Committee.
Buchholz sees his new role as an opportunity to further connect the international community of the ICS: “I am really delighted and honored to take on the role of Vice Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. I am keen to play an active role in shaping the future of the ICS by engaging more closely with our members, students, partner organizations, supporters, volunteers and staff.”
Margioli new VP at the ICS
Natalia Margioli FICS (© ICS)
The position of Vice President has also been filled: Natalia Margioli FICS takes over the office. She is the founder and Managing Director of the Hellenic Management Center, which she has headed since 1999. She has been involved in the ICS since 2005, including as Vice Chair of the Greek Branch and as Head of the Teaching Center in Greece.
Margioli emphasized the importance of close international cooperation: “In this new phase, I would like to strengthen the Institute globally and further intensify cooperation between all branches. By working together with respect, openness and a common goal, the ICS can continue to grow as a truly united and future-oriented professional community.”
Founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the globally recognized professional body for shipbrokers, ship managers, agents and other professionals in the maritime industry. With 27 branches and more than 4,000 members and fellows, it is one of the most important institutions for professional development in the maritime sector.
