SPNL AGM – Claudio Chiste
SPNL’s AGM and Annual Summer Drinks reception took place at the prestigious DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London, courtesy of sponsors Maples & Calder. Despite the unpredictable British weather spirits remained high as over 100 members from SPNL networked on the Skylounge Terrace, with stunning views of the Tower of London.
The Shipping Professional Network in London (SPNL) is run by a group of dedicated young shipping professionals, and enables young people in the shipping industry to network with associates from various shipping backgrounds. The AGM rounded off another successful year in 2013 for SPNL – with a record number of events, as well as the logo rebranding which coincided with the inaugural London International Shipping Week, and newly launched updated SPNL website. Although SPNL promises a minimum of 5 events a year, 2013 delivered a record 10 SPNL events along with a further 4 events in the form of the SPNL FutureLondon sessions. SPNL’s media presence has expanded largely, featuring frequently in various publications, with a fast growing twitter following. This is shown from the increase of new members – 1, 200 unique individuals have signed up to SPNL events.
SPNL members networking on hte Sky lounge Terrace
The AGM saw the Election Committee, represented by Graeme Brown, BIMCO External relations propose the following candidates for election to the SPNL Board – Ms Aleksandra Czelonek from C Waves, Mr Nicholas Mavrommatis from Seven Seas Maritime and Mr Chris Davies from Bibby Ship Management. Candidates’ re-elected to the SPNL Board were – Mr Claudio Chistè as Chairman (Shipping & Marine Finance at Investec Bank plc), Ms Magda Garcia as Deputy Chair (London rep of Frank Shipbrokers), Ms Valentina Nikiforova as Membership Executive (Finance Group at Stephenson Harwood), Ms Nancy Drakou as Company Secretary (Dry Cargo broker at Clarksons PLC) and Mr Marc Pauchet as Business Developer & Sponsorship (Lead Dry Analyst at ACM Braemer).
Claudio Chistè gave special thanks on behalf of the SPNL to the Board Members – Mr Simon Spells (Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP), Mr Nikolai Jorgensen (Marsh Energy Practice) and Ms Enone Cao-Frago (Global Maritime Consultancy) who were standing down. SPNL continues to ensure that there is a new generation of talented young professionals leading the way and looks promisingly into the next year with many more exciting events and successes to come – in London and internationally.
The SPNL board committee gives thanks to its sponsors and the continued support of its ever-growing members, and looks forward to the forth coming SPNL events.
