J. & J. Denholm (The Denholm Group) congratulate their Chairman, John Denholm CBE, on his appointment as Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) last week, marking an important moment for John, the industry and the Denholm Group.

John has been involved with ICS for a number of years, serving as the UK’s representative on the ICS Board and as Vice Chair before being unanimously recommended by the Board as Chairman Designate in June 2025. He has also held a number of senior leadership roles across the maritime sector, including President of BIMCO, Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. He is also a Trustee of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets and holds board positions with Hadley Shipping and Anglo-Eastern Univan Group.

About ICS

The ICS is one of the world’s leading maritime trade associations, representing the interests of shipowners and operators across more than 40 countries and around 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.

Acting as the collective voice of the international shipping industry, the ICS articulates and advocates shipowner positions to international regulators International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation, as well as to other government regulators and relevant stakeholders. Its work shapes maritime policy, technical matters and best practice across the sector, making the role of Chairman a significant one on the international shipping stage. John’s appointment reflects his continued commitment to supporting the industry at this level.

Commenting on his appointment, John Denholm said:

“It is a great honour to be appointed Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and to represent an industry that underpins global trade and prosperity. I take on this responsibility at a moment of considerable upheaval and uncertainty for the world economy and for international shipping. Our 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. I look forward to working with the ICS Board of Directors and Secretariat during this pivotal period for our industry.”

Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said:

“I am delighted to welcome John Denholm as Chairman of ICS. John brings decades of experience as a shipowner, business leader, and industry representative, together with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Emanuele Grimaldi for his outstanding leadership over the past four years. His chairmanship coincided with one of the most demanding periods in recent maritime history. Under his stewardship, ICS helped guide the industry as it responded to attacks on civilian shipping and the disruption of major trade routes, adapted to significant shifts in global trading patterns, and engaged with an unprecedented programme of international regulatory change. His contribution to both ICS and the wider shipping community has been immense.”

The Denholm name has long been synonymous with shipping and the sea and John’s appointment further reinforces the Group’s longstanding commitment to the global maritime industry.

You can read the full ICS announcement here and watch John’s ‘Meet the Chair’ video below:

The Denholm Group is supporting Maggie’s Centre’s Scotties in the City art trail as a sponsor of Clyde, a giant Scottie dog sculpture. The trail runs across Glasgow from 18th June to 16th August 2026, coinciding with the Commonwealth Games.

About the Trail

Scotties in the City features 40 giant Scottie dog sculptures, created by talented artists, at various locations across Glasgow, raising awareness and vital funds for Maggie’s.

Download the Scotties in the City app to explore the full trail and collect Scotties. Visit www.scottiesinthecity.co.uk for the trail map and app links.

About Maggie’s Centre

Maggie’s Centre provides a unique kind of cancer care – welcoming spaces where people with cancer and their families can find emotional support, practical advice and community. They work alongside the NHS and their impact is felt by thousands of people across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The Denholm Group is incredibly proud to support Maggie’s. The practical and emotional support they provide to individuals and families at some of the most challenging times, and we are honoured to play a small part in helping them continue their vital work.

Simon Preston, Chief Operating Officer for the Denholm Group said:

“Maggie’s does remarkable work, not just in Glasgow but throughout the UK, offering real, practical support to people and families at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Scotties in the City is a wonderful initiative and sponsoring our own Scottie was an easy decision. It’s a chance to raise real awareness for a cause that matters, while supporting and making a positive difference in the community.”

About Clyde

Our sponsored Scottie is called Clyde – a name that means a great deal to us. As the Denholm Group celebrates its 160th year, it feels especially fitting. Originally founded in Greenock in 1866, our roots lie on the banks of the River Clyde, where our founder James Denholm established himself as a ship’s agent and shipbroker.

Clyde’s design incorporates elements of that history: the Custom House in Greenock features on his design (where our ship agents were based around 1900) along with the David Sinclair Schooner and the Greenock Beacon Clock. The Diamond D weaves the Group’s heritage directly into the sculpture on Clyde’s collar. We are grateful to our artist Jenny Marshall for these personal touches. The design also takes in the wider landmarks of the Clyde: shipbuilding cranes, steel structures, the Squinty Bridge and the SEC Armadillo, all set against shifting blues, greens and rusty-red industrial tones.

You’ll find Clyde at the Clydeside Distillery on 100 Stobcross Rd, Glasgow, G3 8QQ and you can download the trail app at the Scotties in the City website link above.

About the Artist – Jenny Marshall

Clyde has been painted by Jenny Marshall, a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, sculpture and mixed media. Her work explores how memory and landscape intertwine – how places hold stories and materials carry traces of history and use.

For Clyde, Jenny drew on childhood memories of Scotland, a fascination with boats and maritime culture, and a personal family connection to the Clyde puffers. Her signature use of blue runs through the design – a perfect fit for the Denholm Group.

Jenny had this to say about creating Clyde:

“Clyde was created as a celebration of the River Clyde and Denholm’s long maritime heritage, bringing together industry, landscape and a few personal stories along the way. At his heart, Clyde is about movement, memory and connection – between people, places and stories carried along the river.”

Visit Jenny’s website to find out more.

Denholm Giving

The Denholm Group is a fifth-generation family business, with a history of supporting the communities in which we live and work. Local Giving is a Group-wide charity initiative, through which we direct support towards causes that reflect our Denholm Standard and make a positive difference locally – sponsoring Clyde and supporting Maggie’s Centre is a proud part of that commitment.