ING announces leadership changes in Shipping sector

Dutch-origin financial institution ING has announced that Stephen Fewster, Global Lead of the Shipping Sector, will leave the bank at the end of Q2 2026 after more than 40 years in banking and a distinguished career in international shipping finance. Stephen will serve as Executive Chair of the Shipping team during the transition and will continue his career in non-executive roles within the shipping industry.

Effective January 1, 2026, Gerbrand Vroegop (pictured), currently Head of Transport & Logistics APAC, will become Global Lead of the Shipping Sector. Robartus Krol will assume the role of Head of Transport & Logistics UK. Both bring extensive sector expertise and long-standing experience at ING.



Gerbrand Vroegop is based in Singapore and leads ING APAC’s coverage for multiple transport sectors. He joined ING in 1999 and has international experience in London and Rotterdam.



Robartus Krol started at ING in the Netherlands and spent most of his career in London, building relationships with shipowners worldwide. He holds an MSc in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

Stephen shared: “After 23 rewarding years at ING, I’m proud to leave the shipping business in strong hands and I’m confident it will continue to thrive. With Gerbrand Vroegop and Robartus Krol at the helm, our long-standing strategy and commitment to clients remain firmly in place. I am sure ING will continue to be a leading force in global shipping finance.”

The bank expresses its gratitude to Stephen for his dedication, leadership, and client-centric approach, saying his impact on its Shipping team and the wider industry endures.

ING actively supports the Transport & Logistics sector, led by Michele Monterosso per July 2025, with dedicated teams across six sub-sectors Shipping, Aviation, Automotive, Containers, Logistics, Land Transport and major hubs in Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Brussels. Brussels, New York, Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo.