Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Elects New Senior Management Team
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, the professional body for the commercial shipping industry worldwide, has officially welcomed its new senior officers at this week’s Controlling Council meeting held in Hong Kong.
Taking over from Luis Bernat FICS as International Chairman of the Institute is Krishnan Subramaniam FICS. Prior to his election, Krishnan had held the position of Vice Chair since 2023. He brings to the role over three decades of experience in logistics, supply chain and training roles in the oil & gas and petrochemical industries with a focus on skills development and digitalisation.
“It has been a pleasure working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Executive Council, Controlling Council, Branch leaders, Institute Director Robert Hill FICS, and the dedicated head office team over the past two years. Together with Chairman Luis Bernat FICS and President Punit Oza FICS, we have advanced the Institute’s global reach, strengthened engagement with our members, and made important strides in our digital transformation journey. I sincerely thank Luis for his leadership and commitment.
As I take on the role of Institute Chairman, I do so with pride and deep honour. Many ICS members and fellows know my long-standing passion for the Institute and the career pathways it creates for shipping professionals. I remain a committed advocate of our mission and bring that conviction into this role. Along with the incoming Vice Chairman Mr. Marc Buchholz FICS and Vice President Ms. Natalia Margioli FICS, I look forward to highlighting the Institute’s ongoing progress and to serving and supporting our global shipping community.”
Based in Dubai, Krishnan also actively supports professional development at the ICS Middle East Branch. As well as his functions at the Institute, he serves as Chief Learning Officer at Transworld, as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the S P Jain School of Global Management, UPES College, India, and is a Member of the Steering Committee of ICC UAE Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission.
Outgoing Chairman Luis Bernat FICS says, “It has been an honour to serve as International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. During my tenure, we have strengthened our financial situation, global presence, advanced professional standards, and invested in education to empower the next generation of maritime leaders. I am deeply grateful to our members and colleagues for their dedication, and I would especially like to thank Krishnan Subramaniam and Punit Oza for their outstanding cooperation and teamwork throughout this journey. As the Institute moves forward, I am confident it will continue to uphold integrity, foster innovation, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global shipping.”
Stepping into the role of Vice Chairman is newly elected Marc Buchholz FICS. In 2012, Marc founded the ship management company Conmar Shipping GmbH & Co. KG, where he continues to serve as Managing Partner.
Marc became a Member of the Institute in 1998 and was promoted to Fellow in 2002. He served as Chairman of the ICS German Branch from 2005 to 2015 and currently holds the position of Branch President. He brings the experience of 20 years at Controlling Council and various committees, most recently as Chairman of the Finance & Audit Committee. With more than 30 years of experience in the shipping industry, he has built his expertise in ship management, ship financing, investor relations, insurance, and operational team leadership. His longstanding commitment to the profession underscores the value of giving back to students and to the Institute’s global membership.
“I‘m truly happy and honoured to take on the role of Vice Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. I‘m passionate about developing the future of the ICS by reaching out and connecting even more closely with our members, students, partner organisations, supporters, volunteers and staff.”
Taking on the role of Institute Vice President is Natalia Margioli FICS. Natalia is the Founder and the Managing Director of the Hellenic Management Centre since 1999. She holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in Business. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Vice Chair of the ICS Greek Branch.
“I am deeply honoured to assume the role of Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. My involvement with the Institute goes back to 2005, when I established the Greek Branch and the Institute’s Teaching Centre in Greece, building a strong network within the Greek shipping community. In this new chapter, I am committed to strengthening the Institute globally and fostering closer cooperation across all branches. By working together with respect, openness, and a shared purpose, we can ensure that the ICS continues to grow as a truly united and forward-looking professional community.”
About the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime domain representing shipbrokers, ship managers, agents, and all members of the shipping industry worldwide. Founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920, it boasts 27 branches in key locations worldwide with over 4,000 individual Members and Fellows. The Institute sets and examines the syllabus for membership, providing the shipping industry with a constant stream of highly qualified professionals. Members of the Institute are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards across the shipping industry and, as part of a professional body, and enjoy the benefits of an enhanced career in the shipping industry.
