Women's International Shipping and Trading Association held its 37th International Conference and Annual General Meeting at Mainport Hotel, in Rotterdam, on the 4th of October, 2017.

DESPINA PANAYIOTOU THEODOSIOU - Managing Director, TOTOTHEO Group, President of WISTA Cyprus and of WISTA (International).

The Agenda of the AGM, included an address by the President of WISTA International, Ms. Karin Orsel, CEO of MF Shipping Group, a briefing on new initiatives and developments that the Association has introduced and a coverage of other AGM matters.

During the 37th AGM of the Association, the new Board was elected, where the new President was announced to be, Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, President and founding member of WISTA Cyprus, succeeding the position from Ms. Karin Orsel, who has held this role successfully for the last six years. On accepting this honor at the WISTA AGM in Rotterdam, Despina talked about a future where business women play an important role in our industry, a role she currently exemplifies.

Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, stated "It is an honour to take over the role of President of WISTA, supporting and serving an Association whose potential I believe in and support. We have an important role in the shipping industry and it is one we should embrace, remaining true to the values and identity that make us what we are. I take over this role from Karin Orsel who has achieved much in her tenure, both in growing our Association and giving it a stronger sense of value."

Despina is the CEO of TOTOTHEO Maritime, a leading maritime technology and satellite communications enablement business. She has served on the Executive Committee of WISTA International as Secretary for the last two years, as President of WISTA Cyprus and is a Member on the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber.  

WISTA is a networking Association of women at management level positions in the Shipping industry. In 1974, 6 shipping women with a vision, from 3 European countries, founded WISTA. Today, WISTA International has 40 member-countries around the globe with almost 3,000 members, all sharing the same passion - Shipping!  

Following the AGM the new Board of Directors is as follows:

PRESIDENT -  DESPINA PANAYIOTOU THEODOSIOU - Managing Director, TOTOTHEO Group

SECRETARY  - DIANE EDWARDS - General Manager People, Systems and Technology, Ports of Auckland Limited - New Zealand

TREASURER – RACHEL LAWTON – Audit Director, MAZARS LLP - UK

BOARD MEMBERS:

JEANNE GRASSO - Partner, Blank Rome LLP - USA

Sanjam Gupta - Director, Sitara Shipping Ltd - India 

Katerina Stathopoulou - Executive Director, Investment & Finance Ltd - Greece

Naa Densua Aryeetey - Head Shippers' Services, Ghana Shippers' Authority - Ghana

 

WISTA is a networking organization for women at management level in the maritime industry. Which aims to:

·         Facilitate the exchange of contacts, information and experiences among its members

·         Promote and facilitate the education of its members

·         Provide liaison with other related institutions and organizations worldwide