The World Shipping Council (WSC), known as the global united voice of liner shipping, has announced the appointment of a new president and CEO.
With current leader John Butler retiring at the end of July, Joe Kramek will bring his experience and expertise in the government and maritime sectors to the role.
Before stepping into the position of president and CEO of the WSC, Joe 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, where he spent time at sea and as the chief of maritime, international and environmental law.
Kramek also led the US delegation to the International Maritime Organisation’s legal committee during his coast guard tenure.
In his new role as the WSC’s president and CEO, Kramek will lead the organisation into its next phase of development, working for the continued advancement of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe and secure global maritime trade.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by retiring president and CEO John Butler in navigating the WSC through unprecedented supply chain challenges while simultaneously transforming the WSC into a global trade association, Kramek says he’s grateful 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,” Kramek says.
“Together with the dedicated team at WSC, I look forward to addressing the evolving needs of the shipping industry and continue driving positive change.”
Butler served as president and CEO of the WSC since 2015, originally joining as general counsel for the association 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 says.
“I am confident that, with Joe’s extensive experience and committed leadership, WSC will continue to flourish and develop even further, and I wish him, and the entire team, continued success in the years ahead.”
Butler and Kramek will work closely together in the months ahead to execute the succession plan for Kramek to assume the duties of president and CEO on August 1.
The World Shipping Council says it extends its sincere appreciation to John Butler for his dedicated service and congratulates him on his retirement.