Rome, Italy. John Denholm CBE has been appointed chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, succeeding Emanuele Grimaldi after four years leading the global shipowners’ body. The decision was taken unanimously by the ICS Board of Directors at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Rome on June 22.
Industry appointment
Denholm is a qualified chartered accountant who joined the family-owned shipping business J. & J. Denholm before becoming chief executive in 1993. He currently serves as executive chairman of J. & J. Denholm and Denholm Energy Services.
Sector challenges
His appointment comes as the shipping industry faces geopolitical tensions, security threats, the energy transition and changing trade patterns that continue to shape global maritime operations.
Previous roles
Denholm has held several senior industry positions, including president of both the UK Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO.
Chairman’s statement
“It is a great honour to be appointed chairman of the ICS and to represent an industry that underpins global trade and prosperity,” Denholm said.
“I take on this responsibility at a moment of considerable upheaval and uncertainty for the world economy and for international shipping,” he added.
He said the industry continues to navigate “geopolitical tensions, security threats, rapid technological change, the energy transition, and evolving trading patterns”.
“Yet throughout every challenge, shipping continues to perform its essential role: keeping global trade moving and delivering the goods, energy, and resources upon which societies depend,” Denholm said.
He added that he looked forward to working with the ICS Board of Directors and Secretariat “during this pivotal period for our industry”.