After an early career in transport insurance, Rod joined the board the Greece's Posidonia maritime exhibition and conference in 1978, later becoming deputy chairman. Through his deep understanding of the international maritime community he made a significant contribution to the success of Posidonia, enhancing its prestige over the many years of his association with Greek shipping.
In 1989, Rod turned his attention to the challenge of promoting the maritime industries of the rapidly changing Soviet Union. Supported by his Russian partners, he took the bold initiative of starting the first ever NEVA International Maritime Exhibition & Conferences in St Petersburg in 1991. Later he launched a sister ports and shipping event, TRANSTEC.
Rod's foresight helped bring Russian and international leaders of the world of shipping and transport together, at a time when there were no other fora for their interchange. In October 2013, the NEVA event was given direct support of the Russian Federation by official decree, cementing its commercial future.
He was the only international citizen to be awarded medals by the Union of Russian Shipowners and the Russia Association of Sea Ports. Posthumously he was also awarded the Royal Medal of The Russian Imperial House of the Romanoff Dynasty, in commemoration of his merits in support of Russia.
Rod is survived by his wife Catherine and three daughters, Susannah, Louise and Sarah.
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