Greece's Latsco Marine Management said on Wednesday it agreed to part ways with Kostas Vlachos, its chief operating officer for almost a quarter of a century.
The “consensual” decision was announced internally on 7 June, the Latsis family's tanker and gas carrier outfit said in a statement.
Company owner Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis praised Vlachos for his dedication, hard work and competence.
“Our prayers will accompany him in any professional step he will take in the future,” the owner and grandchild of founder John Latsis said in the statement.
Vlachos, 62, has been Latsco’s chief operating officer since August 1997. During that tenure of the low-key manager, the company carried out a wide-ranging newbuilding programme for product tankers and VLGCs.
In 2018, Latsco entered the LNG market as well. Latsco Shipping currently has a fleet of more than 30 ships, including three VLCCs under construction.
In the statement, Vlachos did not elaborate on the reasons that led him to step down or on whether he has any other employment lined up.
“A very important part of my career draws to a close today and that makes me obviously emotional,” he said in the statement.
“I will always keep the fondest memories from this long cooperation, both with Latsco’s shareholders as with all other colleagues, to whom I express my warmest thanks.”
Before joining Latsco, Vlachos worked for 15 years as head of the International Safety Management (ISM) department at Greece’s merchant ships inspectorate. He is a master and a graduate of the National Technical University of Athens, where he studied mechanical engineering.
