Harry Theochari, a prominent lawyer in shipping circles, is urging Parliament to get behind a proposed Brexit deal so that the UK can, in essence, move on.
"Now that we have a withdrawal deal on the table, MPs (members of Parliament) should give the deal their support so that we can look beyond the Brexit process, and to the future opportunities that wait for our country," he said.
Parliament is scheduled to vote next week on Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement for what would be an historic move.
"Brexit as a process has proved very divisive for the nation and for government," said Theochari, global head of transport at London-based law firm Norton Rose Fulbright.
"The uncertainties to which it has given rise have been damaging to the British economy and to British business."
He has been appointed Maritime UK's new chairman to replace David Dingle, who has held that post since 2015 and is present chairman of Carnival UK.
Theochari said he looks forward to working with vice chairwoman Sarah Kenny on several other issues as well, such as the sector's lack of funding, environmental issues and advent of disruptive technologies.
"These will require a lot of hard work, resilience and innovative thinking to ensure the sector makes the most of emerging opportunities," he said.
“The maritime industries of the United Kingdom have a long and proud history, and I am very confident that by pulling together and working effectively with government, the sector will emerge from these challenging times – including the longest and most difficult recession the sector has faced in living memory – in a much more confident and stronger position."
Theochari will start his tenure by co-chairing the Maritime Ministerial Working Group tomorrow, followed by meetings with other politicians at Westminster, including the Shadow Transport and Scotland Secretaries.
His other appointments include vice chairman of Maritime London, visiting professor by Tongji Shanghai University and member of the school's Expert Committee and Institute for Urban Risk Management.
He has been named by Lloyd's List as the world's most influential shipping lawyer and recognised by Tanker Shipping & Trade as one of the tanker industry's 50 most influential people.
