Elena Matzaridou, Digital Strategy Advisor, Combuss Business Consultants

Elena Matzaridou is a shipping professional with over 15 years of industry experience. She leads IT transformation and digital strategy projects for maritime organizations at Combuss Business Consultants.

Elena holds a Diploma in Naval and Marine Technology and Science, specializing in Maritime Transportation, from NTUA, and an MA in International and Comparative Education from the University of Brighton. She represents WISTA Hellas on the WISTA International Yachting Committee, she is an AMMITEC member, and serves as Vice-Chair of World Sailing’s International Regulations Commission, representing the team at IMO meetings.

Charis Stratigis is the Commercial Manager for Southern Europe, Middle East, and Africa of Signal Ocean. His expertise lies at the intersection of commercial ship chartering and maritime technology, focusing on how digital tools optimize everyday commercial decision-making. Having previously served as a Chartering Lead for tankers, Charis combines hands-on market experience with a strategic background in management consulting. He specializes in leveraging data-driven insights to navigate global market dynamics and shifting trade routes, providing the clarity needed for agile operations in the shipping industry.

Themis Vagiakos has a diverse background across corporate finance, consulting, digital strategy, and sustainability. He began his career at Allianz, as a Financial Controller, pivoting to Deloitte in Greece and Germany, advising on M&As, restructuring, and regulatory-driven projects – many within the maritime sector.

Post-MBA, he held senior roles at Wipro and Microsoft, leading digital transformation and innovation initiatives across Europe. He also co-founded a Digital Innovation Hub in Greece, aligned with the EU Green Deal.

At ABS, Themis leads global services across Decarbonization Strategy, ESG Excellence, Sustainable Finance, and Performance Advisory. He also oversees New Product Development, designing forward-looking solutions that connect green finance, regulation, and maritime innovation.

He holds an MSc in Finance from Warwick, is CIMA-qualified, and earned his MBA from INSEAD.

Panos Smyroglou is the director of Abacus Marine Consultants, established in 2007 to deliver global ship repair solutions and marine equipment for improved vessel performance and regulatory compliance.

He holds a B.Eng. in Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering from the University of Glasgow and an MSc in Naval Architecture from the University of Southampton.

Panos’ 30year career began in 1996 as a surveyor, then in 1998 he became the Commercial Manager of Greece’s oldest marine technical office, gaining extensive experience in shipyard operations and international repair coordination. Panos’ experience laid solid foundations for Abacus, a company built on technical expertise, reliability, and strong global partnerships.

Today, Panos is recognized for his deep industry insight, commercial acumen, and practical approach to navigating the evolving technical requirements of modern ship management.

Mr. Konstantinos Economou has a substantial and diverse experience in the Banking field with specialization in shipping / transportation finance projects for more than 25 years in the national and international environment having worked in positions of trust, in international banking institutions such as the Bank of Nova Scotia, EFG Eurobank, Bank of Cyprus,  Piraeus Bank S.A. and currently as Deputy General Manager and Head of Shipping Finance at Credia Bank.

He holds a Bsc degree in Economics and Operations Management from Lancaster University of England, and a Msc in Marine Policy (shipping & Trade) from Cardiff University of Wales. He is also a certified economist of the Finance Chamber of Greece and has served the Greek Army as a reserve officer of Finance Troops with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He is a member of the Hellenic Ship Financiers Association since 2002 and currently is the General Secretary of the Board.

With over two decades of experience in the maritime industry, currently serves as the Managing Director of Columbia Shipmanagement Greece, a leading ship management company operating a diverse fleet of vessels. He stepped into this role in December 2023, following more than three successful years as General Manager.

Armed with a strong background in marine engineering and international shipping, he has led major projects involving ship repairs, conversions, and technological upgrades, consistently championing innovation, safety, and sustainability. His mission is clear: to deliver world-class services to clients while ensuring full compliance with international regulations and fostering long-term partnerships across the global maritime sector.

A firm believer in continuous improvement and smart leadership, studied marine engineering (Aspropyrgos). He also holds an MBA from Southampton University, an MSc in Marine Technology from Newcastle University, and a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Brighton University. Passionate about driving progress in the maritime world, he remains committed to advancing the industry through strategic vision and operational excellence.

Cpt. Stylianos N. Mourtzanos, MBA, AFNI, is a maritime strategist and HSQE & Vetting Superintendent with a shipowning and ship management organization, working at the intersection of fleet operations, safety, compliance, and decarbonisation. He is directly involved in implementing IMO and EU climate regulations, including EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, and in assessing alternative fuels, energy-efficiency technologies, and digital systems that are delivering measurable emissions reductions in today’s operating environment.

He is the author of The Carbon Basel Accord, which examines regulatory coherence and market mechanisms for maritime decarbonisation, and brings an owner-operator perspective to net-zero discussions grounded in operational reality and regulatory accountability.

I am Katerina D. Kokkini, co-founder of KMK Marine Consultants, established in 2017, and
I have been serving as the company’s Chief Executive Officer for the past few months.
With over 17 years of experience in the global shipping industry, my work focuses on
strengthening maritime safety, improving operational performance, and supporting
shipping organizations through consultancy, training, and compliance-driven solutions.
I hold an MSc in Shipping Management and an LLM in Maritime Law, a combination that
allows me to bridge commercial strategy with regulatory and legal frameworks and to
support clients in navigating complex operational and compliance challenges.
Throughout my career, I have led initiatives in maritime training, vetting preparation,
audits, Safety Management System (SMS) development, and digital learning solutions. I
am a strong advocate for innovation in maritime education, the human element in safety,
and the effective use of technology to enhance competence and performance both
onboard and ashore.
I actively contribute to industry dialogue as a speaker at international maritime
conferences and am passionate about empowering the next generation of maritime
professionals and strengthening female representation in maritime leadership.

Dr. Dimitrios Tsitsamis is an accomplished professional highly experienced in the maritime industry. Currently, he holds the position of Head of the Innovation Department at THPA S.A. Port of Thessaloniki, where his role is pivotal in driving innovation and transformative achievements within the organization.

Throughout his career, he has actively participated in national and European research projects and evaluation programs, contributing to the advancement of the industry. He has also delivered lectures and published research papers on various topics related to container terminal operations and management.

A recognized leader in the field, elected as President of the Greek Association of Supply Chain Management (EELBE) for 2024-2025 and re-elected for an additional three-year term covering 2026-2028.

He is passionate about innovation, education and fostering collaboration. He holds a Ph.D. with a focus on port Logistics in container terminal operations. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Manhattan College of New York and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from City College of New York. He has fortified his knowledge and skills through certifications in change management, ESG & Sustainability Performance Management and a multitude of advanced training programs.

Dr. Kiritsi is a leading expert in the intersection of Corporate Governance, AI Policy, and Sustainable Maritime Strategy. Bridging the DACH and MENA regions, she advises fleet operators and institutions on navigating the “Human Element” of the green transition. She is the founder of Consuleny and the architect of the Policy Social Governance (PSG) framework.

Vivi Kolliopoulou is the Insurance Manager of the Angelicoussis Group in Athens, overseeing marine and non-marine insurance for the Group’s expanding fleet. She became President of WISTA Hellas in March 2024 and has been an active member since 2001.

Before joining Angelicoussis in 2019, she held roles at Thenamaris Ships Management Inc., Richards Hogg Lindley, and the Standard P&I Club in London, New York, and Piraeus. Vivi holds a BA in English Literature, an MSc in International Shipping, and an LLM in Maritime Law. 

With years of studying human behavior in challenging settings, my experience as a psychologist is especially focused on the maritime field, where successful operations rely heavily on how people interact with each other and with technology.

In my capacity as a lecturer at the Maritime Academy Holland and as a consultant to various maritime organizations, I have contributed to the advancement of both individual and organizational development within the sector.

The emergence of Generative AI (GenAI) represents a significant advancement, prompting me to concentrate on the essential task of enhancing human-AI collaboration.

Specifically, I explore how we can facilitate effective, efficient, safe, and responsible engagement with these powerful new capabilities.

I combine the principles of ‘Safety I,’ which focuses on preventing mistakes and incidents, with those of ‘Safety II,’ aimed at understanding and promoting successful outcomes and system resilience.

My primary objective is not only to address potential risks, but also to strategically leverage the capabilities of GenAI by fostering a comprehensive understanding of the human element.

Dr. Vasileios Kosmas is the Program Manager Decarbonisation at Carnival Maritime, the marine service unit of AIDA and COSTA Cruises, since July 2022. He is engaged, among other, in strategic development, regulatory compliance, and business aspects of decarbonisation. Previously, he was a Senior Researcher at the Hapag-Lloyd Centre for Shipping and Global Logistics at Kuehne Logistics University, focusing on green shipping, including new technologies, policy implications, and alternative fuels. Dr. Kosmas holds a PhD in Operations Management from Copenhagen Business School and an MSc in Marine Transport from Newcastle University

Ioannis Sigalas is Head of Corporate Finance at GasLog Ltd, a leading LNG shipping company backed by traditional shipping sponsors and global infrastructure investors. He has extensive experience in corporate strategy, financial planning, M&A, and capital markets, having participated in major privatization transactions and equity raises. Previously, Ioannis worked at PwC in audit, advising both listed and private shipping companies. He is an ACCA member and holds a degree in Economics from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

Emmanolia Kolias is Channel Director at Mintra, a leading provider of HR management and digital learning solutions for the maritime industry. With a career that began in Finance at JPMorgan Chase in New York, she has built a reputation for leading diverse, high-performing teams. Relocating to Cyprus in 2018, Emmanolia joined Safebridge GmbH, later transitioning to Mintra through its acquisition in 2021. She currently on the Board of Governors for Cyprus Maritime Academy and is a previous Board Member of WISTA Cyprus (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association), she is a passionate advocate for workplace diversity, crew welfare, and mental well-being in the maritime sector.

Konstantinos Stamelos, CFA is Head of Corporate Sales in the Global Markets Sales Division at the National Bank of Greece. He leads client engagement across FX, interest rates, commodities and structured hedging solutions, with a particular focus on shipping companies operating in volatile markets. His role centres on the structuring and execution of hedging strategies to manage market risk, cash flow variability and balance sheet exposures. Konstantinos is a CFA Charterholder with extensive experience in global financial markets and derivatives.

Mr. Punit Oza is the current President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, UK and the founder and director of Maritime NXT, driving the “Next” in Maritime through training, teaching, mentoring, & consulting.

He has over three decades of experience in the Maritime Industry, holding senior positions in Precious Shipping, Noble Group and Torvald Klaveness. Through a unique blend of combining technology, personal experience & analytical skills, Punit teaches & mentors the next generation of Maritime talent through lectures, workshops, scholarships & mentorships. Punit is also an investor in & advisor to various maritime startups & a part of a Venture Capital Fund, Motion Ventures.

Punit holds a Masters in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School, UK and a LLB and Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law from University of London.

Dimitris has over 35 years of experience in shipping, he is Managing Director of Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd (established in 1921 in London) as well as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) which has over 420 members from 37 countries and represents the interests of 40% of the global bulk carrier fleet.

Dimitris is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology and an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute.

He presently sits on various industry bodies including the Council of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee, DNV West Europe Owners’ Committee, Bureau Veritas UK & Ireland Committee and Technical Committees of Lloyds Register (Global), ABS (Europe), Korean Register (Greece) and the Union of Greek Shipowners.

Harriet Hunnisett-Johnson is the Head of Maritime at Signol and has been with the company since the inception of the maritime product. She is responsible for the implementation of Signol’s behaviour-focused fuel efficiency software in the shipping industry. Prior to joining Signol, Harriet served as a deck officer at sea, sailing to the rank of Chief Officer. For the last decade, Harriet has worked onshore for maritime technology companies, specialising in digital and data-driven solutions. Harriet is passionate about the sea and the lives of the crew members onboard vessels, and is dedicated to engaging with crews to make a greener and safer world.

Nicolas Otheitis is an experienced Technical Director with over 20 years in the maritime industry serving both wet and dry fleets. He has led new building projects, major retrofits, and dry dockings, with strong expertise in technical management and supervision, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. With an engineering background complemented by Master’s degrees in Maritime Studies, International Trade Law and Business Administration, Nicolas focuses on integrating performance measurement, digitalisation, and decarbonisation strategies to drive cost-efficient and sustainable shipmanagement.

Konstantinos Agas has served for 30 years in Hellenic Navy as an Engineer Officer and retiring in 2018 with the rank of Commander. He specializes in Maritime Training – E-learning Instructional Design and Learning Management Systems Administration. He holds an MSc in Information Technology Management and an MBA from Naval Post Graduate School USA. Since August 2024 he holds the position of Training and Development Manager for Pantheon Tankers, Alpha Gas and Alpha Bulkers. He is also, a visiting instructor for Hellenic Navy Naval War School and visiting instructor / e-learning instructional designer for NATO Maritime Interdiction Operation Center of excellence (NMIOTC).

Dr. Anastasia Christodoulou is an Assistant Professor of Sustainable Blue Economy at the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus. She has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark and Gothenburg University in Sweden in the area of sustainable shipping and ports. She is also a Visiting Professor and former Research Associate of World Maritime University specializing in maritime energy management issues. She has published peer-reviewed academic articles in a number of well-established academic journals and she is member of the World Conference of Transport Research Society and the International Association of Maritime Economists.

Mr. Tsoulakos has over 14 years of experience in the shipping industry, beginning with his engineering studies at the Merchant Marine Academy of Aspropyrgos. He further advanced his expertise with degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master of Science (MSc) in Marine Science and Technology from the National Technical University of Athens, followed by a third bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies from the University of Piraeus. His career includes significant roles as a superintendent engineer at leading Greek shipping companies, culminating in his current position as Innovation & Technology Manager at Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. In this role, he drives innovation, evaluates processes, and introduces new technological solutions to enhance efficiency and competitive advantage. Mr. Tsoulakos is committed to continuous improvement and dynamic progression in the maritime sector.

Dr Iliana Christodoulou-Varotsi is a senior legal consultant and member of the Athens Bar Association in Greece. She is in private practice and is a lead industry trainer specialising in maritime and EU law and shipping regulations. Her clients include some of the world’s leading providers of training and quality assurance to maritime professionals, including Lloyd’s Maritime Academy (Informa Connect), where she has been acting as an Academic Course Director for over ten years. She provides specialised legal services for EU projects as a subcontractor to the European Union. Highly experienced law drafter. Author of five books and industry articles. She obtained all her university degrees from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (France), including her PhD, which she obtained with the highest distinction at the age of 27. 

Martin P. Rowe, Vice President at Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd - the World’s largest 3rd party technical manager . 

Martin is a maritime professional with a background in Economics and over 35 years industry experience stretching between Hong Kong, London & Athens. For several decades he worked as a shipbroker, the majority of which as Managing Director of Clarksons in Hong Kong. 

He has served previously in voluntary capacity on the Executive committee of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, the Hong Maritime Industry Council and has been regularly quoted on shipping matters in publications such as The Economist, Lloyds List & Tradewinds.   

Heidi Heseltine established the Diversity Study Group (DSG) in 2018 to support the maritime industry’s need to progress in relation to DEI, particularly in relation to talent retention and attraction.

She has led the DSG’s rapidly evolving DEI service portfolio including data gathering and benchmarking programmes for those ashore and at sea, the creation of a community of DEI-focused maritime industry leaders and DEI practitioners, the development of a suite of DEI in maritime consultancy services, an annual DEI in Maritime Conference and launched Crest, a global cross industry mentoring programme.  All these being designed to enable the maritime sector to fast track its progress in relation to DEI and avoid common pitfalls experienced in other sectors.

Heidi has over 30 years’ experience within the maritime industry.  Her early career was in vessel operations before transitioning to focus on talent retention and attraction for the sector and subsequently moving into DEI for the sector.

Dr. Bakouni is the Learning and Development Manager for Maritime at Maersk Training, with 12+ years of experience in the maritime industry. She has held diverse roles in HR & Training, HSEQ, and Operations across ship-owning, ship/crew management companies, and class societies, combining practical industry knowledge with expertise in people management and development.

She holds a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and Leadership from the University of Piraeus, an MSc in Human Resources Management from Athens University of Economics and Business, and a BA in International Relations from the University of Piraeus. Her research explored ethical leadership and its psychological and behavioural impact on employees. She is also a certified ISM/ISPS/MLC Auditor and holds diplomas in Adult Learning, Career Coaching, and Maritime Strategy, Claims & Operations.

Dr. Bakouni serves as Academic Course Director for Lloyd’s Maritime Academy (Maritime HR) and Programme Leader for the MSc in Shipping Operations with Middlesex University. She also teaches HR topics at the University of Essex, Aegean College, and other institutions.

She actively supports leadership development, gender diversity, and mentorship initiatives with organisations including Women on Top/WHEN, WISTA, MaritimeSheEO, and 100mentors. Recognised in 2023 as one of Greece’s most influential HR executives, she frequently speaks at international forums.

She hosts the People & Culture: Diversity Discussions podcast and shares monthly insights on HR and personal development in her Magicme.gr column.

Dr. Akanksha Batura Pai is the Executive Director of Sinoda Shipping Agency, a Singapore-based maritime SME driving innovation in port agency services since 1992. She is an award-winning maritime professional, educator, and advocate for inclusive innovation in shipping.

Among many positions, she was ranked #1 Woman in Shipping by AllAboutShipping, is a Council Member of the Singapore Shipping Association, IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador Emerita, Mission to Seafarers Ambassador, WISTA Ambassador, Maritime SheEO Ambassador and others; she is widely recognised for her leadership in maritime digitalisation, decarbonization, and talent development across the industry.