Nicosia, Cyprus. Columbia Group chief executive Andreas Hadjipetrou has set out a strategy focused on measured expansion, closer internal cooperation and enhanced seafarer support, three months after taking charge of the ship-management group.
Hadjipetrou said Columbia would expand its core ship-management business and wider services, while ensuring growth remains measured, profitable and meaningful.
Leadership changes
Hadjipetrou replaced Mark O’Neil in April. His appointment was accompanied by the promotion of Demetris Chrysostomou to deputy chief executive, while Chrysostomou retained responsibility for Columbia’s operations in Asia.
The company said the appointments would strengthen its leadership and support its growing presence in the region.
O’Neil left the Heinrich Schoeller-controlled group after nine years. He said at the time that the transformation he had been brought in to oversee had been completed and that he was leaving Columbia in safe hands and in good shape.
Expansion plans
Hadjipetrou now leads a business providing crewing and technical services to around 585 vessels. Columbia reports having more than 20,000 employees at sea and ashore, as well as more than 25 management and representative offices, crewing agencies and training centres worldwide.
In January, Columbia was reported to be planning a new operational centre in India employing up to 220 people, intended to complement its existing base in the Philippines.
The group has also expanded its office in Istanbul. In May, its Singapore operation was appointed to provide technical management for three Aframax tankers under construction for Zhejiang Seaport Financial Leasing.
Once the vessels are delivered, Columbia will oversee their crewing, technical operations, regulatory compliance and performance under the agreement.
Technology and workforce priorities
Columbia appointed Christina Orfanidou as its first head of artificial intelligence in February. Her responsibilities include developing internal AI tools, modernising crewing systems and using automation to reduce repetitive administrative work.
Hadjipetrou said his immediate priority was to improve cooperation and information-sharing across the group’s companies, offices and departments. He said shipping is changing quickly as decarbonisation, technology, regulation and market uncertainty reshape owners’ requirements.
He said Columbia’s response would remain focused on reliable service, transparency and strong governance. He also said the group must continue improving seafarers’ working conditions, safety, wellbeing, training and communication, while providing clients with clear communication and an understanding of their needs.
