The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (Helmepa) is searching for a new chief executive to lead it into an era in which environmental issues are much more consequential for its shipowner members than they used to be.
The Greek organisation, which promotes sustainable shipping, was founded in 1982 by legendary shipowner George P Livanos.
Several other big-name owners have served as chairman of its board over the years, such as Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, Peter G Livanos, Nikolas Tsakos and John Coustas.
Executive leadership throughout that period has been in the hands of Dimitris Mitsatsos, an 83-year-old former officer in the Hellenic Navy whose 38-year service as Helmepa’s general director ended this month.
“The Helmepa board expressed its profound gratitude to Mr Mitsatsos for the great work he has accomplished at the helm of the association,” the board said in a statement.
The organisation's activities include seminars and information events to heighten environmental awareness among Greek seafarers and shipowners. It also holds international consultations with maritime protection associations in other countries, as well as with senior coastguard officials in the US, Canada and Australia.
A selection process to find Mitsatsos’ successor is underway and the aim is to complete it by spring. The job will be based in Athens.
The new general manager is expected to sharpen Helmepa’s profile in a new era in which environmental concerns are not merely a matter of owners’ personal sensitivity but will be key to their companies' survival.
The first big sign of change at Helmepa was given earlier this year, when Semiramis Paliou of Diana Shipping became the first woman to chair the board of directors.
Other names who joined the board recently include Milena Pappas of Star Bulk Carriers, Ioanna Martinou of Thenamaris, George Kallianis of Kallianis Bros Shipping and Kalli Livanos of Kyla Shipping.
Helmepa’s vice chairman is owner John Xylas and its secretary general is Irene Daifas. Euroseas chief executive Aristides Pittas serves as treasurer.
Other board members include representatives of Olympic Shipping and Management, Atlantic Bulk Carriers, Costamare, Arcadia Shipmanagement, Dalex Shipping and Vrontados.
