UK ship agency and port services giant Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has recruited BP heavyweight Anna Evangelidis to the new role of chief operating officer.
The shipping executive joined on Tuesday, bringing a wealth of experience from the UK oil major, but also Saipem and Lloyd’s Register.
She is replacing chief operations officer Trond Baade, who is retiring after 20 years.
Baade will remain with Inchcape for a few more months working his notice period and for a handover.
Evangelidis has been a naval architect, pipeline engineer and fleet manager during her career.
In her new role, she will be responsible for three major areas at ISS.
The first is ensuring operational excellence and delivery worldwide.
Secondly, Evangelidis will oversee the expansion of the group's Global Managed HUB Solutions, and finally she will run IT and procurement functions.
The new COO has a degree in Ship Science from Southampton University.
“She is passionate about people and will be a fantastic addition to our Inchcape family and senior leadership team. We are confident in Anna’s ability to lead our company forward and warmly welcome her to our team,” ISS said.
Chief executive Philippe Maezelle said: “The move from ‘operations’ to ‘operating officer’ is an important development for our company as it represents a significant expansion of the role.”
“Anna’s wealth of front-line operational experience, knowledge of digital projects and pragmatism make her the perfect fit for this new position,” he added.
‘Rich history’
Evangelidis said: “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Inchcape team. The company’s rich history and dedication to innovation and long-term success are truly inspiring.
“I am thrilled to contribute to Inchcape’s bright future and be a part of such a dynamic organisation,” she added.
The COO had been at BP for more than 18 years, most recently as vice president of integration and transformation from April 2022.
But she was previously global fleet manager for three and a half years, overseeing the technical operation of tankers, LNG and LPG carriers, which numbered 52 ships initially.
Evangelidis was responsible for moving more than 60m tonnes of cargo per year and running a team of 50 global technical experts and 1,900 seafarers.
She began her career at Lloyd's Register in 1997.
ISS has 245 offices in 60 countries.
