Natalia Margioli-Komninou makes history as the first female and Greek president of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in its 115-year history.
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), one of the world's long-established maritime professional organizations, has elected a woman as president for the first time in its 115-year history. Natalia Margioli-Komninou, an experienced figure in the Greek maritime sector, has also become the first Greek president of the organization.
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), which operates in the field of international ship brokering and maritime education, made a historic leadership change during the Board of Directors meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa.
At the meeting held on October 29, 2026, Natalia Margioli-Komninou was appointed as president, succeeding Punit Oza, who completed his term. Margioli-Komninou is the first woman and the first Greek maritime professional to assume the presidency in the 115-year history of the organization founded in 1911.
Over 25 Years of Experience in Maritime Education
Since 1999, Margioli-Komninou has served as the founder and general manager of the Hellenic Management Centre, recognized for her work in maritime education and professional development.
Holding a bachelor's degree and an MBA in business, Margioli-Komninou was instrumental in establishing the ICS’s Greece branch and training center in 2005.
Since 2024, Margioli-Komninou has served as Vice President of ICS, playing an active role in the development of international maritime education programs and the training of industry professionals.
“I am proud to mark a first in 115 years of history”
After taking over the presidency, Margioli-Komninou stated that ICS holds significant importance in her professional career and thanked former president Punit Oza for his contributions.
Emphasizing that being the first woman and first Greek president of the organization is a historic milestone for her, Margioli-Komninou said that she would prioritize the development of maritime education, strengthening the membership system, and enhancing cooperation among international branches in the new term.
The new president pointed out that the maritime sector is undergoing a significant transformation due to artificial intelligence, sustainability, and increasingly complex international regulations.
Margioli-Komninou expressed that maritime professionals need to possess the knowledge to utilize new technologies while also maintaining their professional experience and commercial decision-making abilities.
Jeffrey Blum Elected as Vice President
The new vice president of ICS was also determined at the meeting in Cape Town.
Jeffrey Blum FICS was elected as vice president for a two-year term. Blum will work alongside the new president Margioli-Komninou in developing the organization’s international activities.
Punit Oza, who is stepping down, noted that during his two-year presidency, efforts were made to enhance ICS's international visibility and to prepare the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
Global Operations with 27 Branches, Not 27 Countries
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, headquartered in London, was founded in 1911 and received its Royal Charter in 1920.
With 27 branches and over 4,000 members worldwide, the organization conducts professional training, examinations, and certification activities in the fields of ship brokering, maritime transportation, maritime law, ship management, and international trade.
The election of Margioli-Komninou as president has been recorded as the beginning of a new era in the organization’s governance history.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
