John Denholm to succeed Emanuele Grimaldi at ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the global lobby group for shipowners, has announced the appointment of John Denholm as its chairman-designate, set to succeed Emanuele Grimaldi.

Denholm, a long-standing board member representing the UK and current vice chair of ICS, is also chairman of J&J Denholm, a diversified, family-owned group with operations across shipping, logistics, seafoods, and industrial services. He will take over in June 2026.

ICS also confirmed the appointment of three new vice chairs: Gaby Bornheim, president of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR); Carl-Johan Hagman, president and CEO of NYK Europe, a subsidiary of Japan’s NYK Line; and Claes Berglund, director of public affairs and sustainability at Sweden’s Stena and the immediate past president of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA).

Grimaldi, who has led ICS through a period of unprecedented regulatory and environmental transformation, welcomed the appointment.

“With all that is going on in the maritime space at the moment the industry needs strong governance and strong leadership,” he said, adding: “John has been involved with ICS for years and I am pleased that I will be able to pass the rains to such a knowledgeable leader who, with the support of the vice-chairs and board will ensure shipowners interests are understood as we seek to be an organisation that provides solutions.”