A well-known name in Asian shipping circles has become the first Singaporean to take the reins at the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS).
Oza, the founder of maritime consultancy Maritime NXT, whose career has included stints at Precious Shipping, Torvald Klaveness and Wiz Bulk, has been appointed as the ICS president, taking over from Kevin Shakesheff, who is handing over the mantle after almost three and a half years.
The ICS, with a 113-year history, said the appointment of the now-former vice president Oza marked a “key leadership transition for the Institute”.
“Punit will make a sensational president, I have already experienced his commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm. I couldn’t imagine anyone better equipped to take over the mantle,” the outgoing president Shakesheff noted.
“A journey that started 32 years ago with acquiring ICS Qualifications has entered an exciting phase,” Oza wrote in a social media post on LinkedIn.
Commenting further on his appointment, Oza added that his own way forward will be to combine and collaborate. “As the first Singaporean to hold this office, I hope to combine the best of Singapore, London and all other maritime centres’ expertise to create a winning blend.”
Oza told Splash there are three principles he hopes will guide him during the next two years as the president of ICS – professionalism, pride, and participation.
“These three principles aren’t just words, they are pillars that will guide us to success,” he said, adding: “When we embrace professionalism, we earn trust. When we work with pride, we inspire excellence. And when we participate fully, we become stronger as a team.”