UW Group appoints Vassilios Demetriades as Chief Strategy Officer

Cyprus, Greece, Singapore, UAE and China-based international shipping representative UW Group has appointed Vassilios Demetriades as its Chief Strategy Officer.

According to an announcement from the company, Demetriades will lead the formulation and implementation of UW Group’s vision and its strategic development.

"The mission of the Group is to contribute to the sustainable development of the shipping sector, whilst meeting effectively the new challenges that the industry faces. The Group aims to further enhance the provision of quality services to the global shipping community, as well as to expand its activities through the adoption of new technologies and innovative approaches in line with its core values: Respect, Professionalism, Excellence, Resilience and Integrity," the announcement noted.

Vassilios Demetriades holds a BSc degree in Business Economics from Surrey University and an MSc degree in Management Science from the same University.

He served as Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus from July 2020 to February 2023.

During his tenure, the strategic vision for Cyprus Shipping “SEA change 2030” was formulated, promoting an extroverted approach and a new philosophy and working structure within the Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM).

He initiated and delivered several sustainable actions such as the maritime passenger link between Cyprus and Greece reinstated after a 21-year hiatus, the formulation of Cyprus’ Maritime Spatial Plan, the setting up of the framework conditions for the digital transformation of the SDM.

"Vassilios Demetriades demonstrated leadership at global and EU level in effectively responding to crises (COVID-19 and Ukraine war) taking charge of key actions to enable safe crew changes, formulating and implementing a national vaccination plan to cover 40000 seafarers, facilitating a fast-track process for seafarers affected by the war in Ukraine to open bank accounts and access their salaries," UW Group's announcement noted.

Prior to his appointment he served as a Policy Officer in the Directorate General of Mobility and Transport of the European Commission coordinating the EU maritime transport strategy and EU’s external maritime transport relations for 5 years, promoting the interests of the EU shipping industry at bilateral and multilateral level with major trading partners of the EU (US, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Iran). He was previously involved in the formulation and coordination of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum.

He has formerly served the Cyprus Public Administration as the Head of EU Affairs Unit at the Cypriot Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works formulating Cyprus’ national position to the EU on transport, telecommunications, shipping and integrated maritime policies and he was in charge of the overall coordination of the Cyprus Presidency to the EU pertaining to these areas.

Vassilios Demetriades served as the first Maritime Counsellor of Cyprus to the EU, from Cyprus accession to the EU in 2004 until the end of 2008, representing Cyprus to the EU in the fields of maritime transport, intermodal transport and networks, EU Integrated Maritime Policy, EU Space Policy, Global Navigation Satellite Systems.  Previously he served the Maritime Administration of Cyprus from various posts putting forward visionary ideas and initiatives such as the Limassol Declaration on the EU Integrated Maritime Policy – one of the main priorities of the 2012 Cyprus Presidency to the Council of the EU.

Mr. Demetriades shares his richness of maritime knowledge and expertise, through lectures and articles, especially in the areas of maritime policy and strategic planning on a European and national level.

Thrasos Tsangarides, CEO of UW Group, expressed his satisfaction for having Demetriades as a member of the management team of the Group, while noting that he will add value to the development and execution of the vision and strategic planning.

As noted in the announcement, "UW Group, established in 2000, is one of the world’s leading shipping representatives. With an expanding list of principals, the Group and its subsidiary companies UMAR Shipping Services & WSR Services, represent some of the largest organizations in the maritime transport industry, and serves customers, from all around the world, from five strategically locations (Cyprus, Greece, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, China)."

UMAR Shipping Services offers its clientele solutions for services and products and repairs worldwide. Reliable services cover all aspects of shipping and the respective needs for Engine Room Machinery, Deck Machinery, Hull Machinery, Cargo Handling Gear, Bridge Equipment, Safety Equipment, Accommodation Equipment, Spare Parts and Services.

WSR Services offers its clientele strategically located ship repair yards, underwater services, riding squads, repair stations, marine coatings and liner wear measurement worldwide. Reliable services cover all aspects of shipping and their respective needs, including new buildings, dry dock repairs, modifications and conversions.