COVER STORY
The life and times of Simeon Palios The winner of this year’s Capital Link Greek Shipping Leadership Award reflects on his 53 years in shipping
S
imeon Palios is a well-known Greek businessman and shipping veteran who has spent more than 50 years in the industry. He founded Diana Shipping Agencies in 1972 and is presently the
Dedicated coverage of Greek shipping
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chairman of Athens-based bulker owner Diana Shipping and president of Diana Shipping Services. Coming from the island of Chios, the birthplace of many powerful Greeks, Palios has been named the “game-changer” of Greek shipping many times during his journey. He transformed Diana Shipping from a purely family business that began to develop its fleet in partnership with friends and family, into an international investment firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange. “I have had no regrets or doubts that it was the right thing to do for the long-term survival and growth of the company,” he said, interviewed at Capital Link’s recent Greek shipping event. “It was also the only way forward in pursuing a successful business
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I am optimistic that shipping is going to do well
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strategy, which I and my senior management had to set out as a long-term business plan for Diana Shipping,” Palios said. Palios’ career path includes being an ensign in the Greek Navy, a naval architect, and a marine engineer after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Durham University. His maritime contributions include membership in leading classification societies and service on the board of the UK Freight Demurrage and Defense Association. He was also chairman at Performance Shipping. maritime ceo
