Liner lobby group, the World Shipping Council (WSC), has appointed Joe Kramek as its new president and chief executive officer.
Kramek will succeed John Butler, who will retire at the end of July after nearly a decade at the helm.
Before taking the top job, Kramek served as the WSC’s director of US government relations and spent 28 years as a commissioned officer with the US Coast Guard, where he spent time at sea and as the Chief of Maritime, International, and Environmental Law. He also led the US delegation to the International Maritime Organization’s Legal Committee during his Coast Guard tenure.
WSC said its next chief is poised to lead the organisation into its next phase of development, “working for the continued advancement of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure global maritime trade”.
Commenting on his appointment, Kramer said: “Together with the dedicated team at WSC, I look forward to addressing the evolving needs of the shipping industry and continue driving positive change”
The outgoing president and CEO, John Butler, joined WSC as general counsel in 2010 and has led the association since 2015.
“It has been a privilege to lead the World Shipping Council during a time of significant growth and complexity in the maritime sector,” said Butler, adding: “I am confident that with Joe’s extensive experience and committed leadership, WSC will continue to flourish and develop even further, and I wish him, and the entire team continued success in the years ahead.”
