The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for the commercial shipping industry worldwide, has officially welcomed its new senior officers at this year’s Controlling Council meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa.
Outgoing President Punit Oza FICS handed over the reins to a familiar name in maritime. Natalia Margioli FICS is the first woman and the first Greek member to take on the role of President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
Before assuming the position of President, Natalia held the position of Vice President from 2024. She brings decades of experience in shipping and maritime education to the role. Natalia has been Founder and Managing Director of the Hellenic Management Centre since 1999 and holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA.
The Institute also elected Jeffrey Blum FICS as its new Vice President at the Controlling Council meeting. He will serve a two-year term, supporting Natalia in her role as President.
In Cape Town, Natalia Margioli FICS, President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers commented: “It is a great honour and privilege to take on the Presidency of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, an institution that has been such an important part of my personal and professional journey for more than two decades. I would like to sincerely thank Punit for his leadership and valuable contribution to the Institute over the past two years, and for the strong foundations on which we can continue to build.
"Becoming the first woman and the first Greek President in the Institute’s 115-year history is a milestone I am very proud of. Looking ahead, my priority is to build on our excellence in maritime education, strengthen the value of ICS membership, bring our international Branches closer together and further develop our connections with the shipping industry. Above all, I believe in bringing people together, and I look forward to working with our members, Branches and colleagues around the world to make our Institute even stronger.”
Punit Oza FICS added: "Reflecting on my two years as ICS President, I am extremely pleased to see the increase in visibility and traction for ICS both at the global level as well as at branch levels. We have now embarked on a clear strategic path for the next 5 years and cemented the Vision, Mission & Values for the Institute. I am thankful to each and every one of the members and staff for their support.
“I am also delighted to welcome Natalia as not only the first Greek but also the first woman President in the history of the Institute. She has already been closely involved with the Institute at multiple levels, and I am looking forward to her term with great excitement. Wishing her all the very best."