The World Shipping Council (WSC), the united voice of liner shipping, has announced that the WSC Board has appointed Joe Kramek as its new president & CEO to succeed John Butler upon his retirement at the end of July.

In a statement, the WSC said Kramek brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the maritime sector and government service to his new role. 

Before stepping into the position of president & CEO, Kramek served as the WSC's director of US Government Relations.

His professional journey includes 28 years as a commissioned officer with the US Coast Guard, during which time he spent time at sea and as the chief of maritime, international, and environmental law.

Notably, Kramek led the US Delegation to the International Maritime Organization's Legal Committee during his Coast Guard tenure.

"In his new role as president & CEO of the WSC, Joe Kramek is poised to lead the organization into its next phase of development, working for the continued advancement of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe, and secure global maritime trade," the announcement said.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by retiring president and CEO John Butler in navigating the WSC through unprecedented supply chain challenges while simultaneously transforming it into a global trade association, Kramek expressed gratitude for his predecessor's extraordinary contributions.

"I am deeply honoured to assume the role of president and CEO at the World Shipping Council, building on the foundation laid by John Butler. Together with the dedicated team at WSC, I look forward to addressing the evolving needs of the shipping industry and continuing to drive positive change," Kramek said.

Butler has served as president and CEO of the WSC since 2015, originally joining as General Counsel in 2010.

"It has been a privilege to lead the World Shipping Council during a time of significant growth and complexity in the maritime sector," Butler said.

The WSC said Butler and Kramek will work closely together in the months ahead to execute the succession plan for the latter, who will assume the duties of president and CEO on August 1, 2024.