John Denholm CBE Appointed Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping
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: