UK Chamber changes leadership, issues new strategic plan

The announcement coincided with publication of its new strategic plan, which was approved by the body’s annual general meeting (agm) earlier this month.

Denholm, a former president of Bimco, is chairman and chief cxecutive of J. & J. Denholm Ltd, holding company for the group of companies owned by the Denholm family, which has interests in shipping – including a major shareholding in the Anglo-Eastern Univan Group - logistics, seafoods and industrial services. He steps up from being Chamber vice-president to succeed Sir Michael Bibby, md of Bibby Line Group, who spent two years as president.

Commenting on the Chamber’s new Strategic Plan at the agm, Denholm said: “Now is the time to look to the future. As we forge a new path for ourselves outside the EU, we need to look ahead to the opportunities and challenges which arise.

“We are in a changing world and issues such as climate change and automation will have a profound effect not only on shipping but on the wider world,” he continued. “As a Chamber, working with colleagues across the sector, we can provide strong leadership to ensure the industry as a whole rises to these challenges.”

New vice-president Westgarth is current ceo of V.Group and before that occupied senior executive roles at GasLog, Teekay and Maersk UK; he also served for five years as chairman of Intertanko.

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“As an industry, we are facing a series of unprecedented challenges, so it is essential that members unite to support innovation, progression and sustainable growth to ensure UK shipping continues to be a major player in the global economy,” commented Westgarth on his Chamber election. “The need for a clear and loud voice for UK shipping is made all the more important when considering how UK shipping contributes nearly £20bn a year to the UK economy and is responsible for more than 180,000 jobs.”

Chamber ceo Bob Sanguinetti welcomed the addition of Westgarth’s “experience, expertise and know-how” to the shipowning body’s existing team, adding: “He is an outstanding leader and he will help navigate the Chamber, and the industry, through the months and years ahead.”