Personalities

Julie Lithgow

Director

Stephanie Chasles

Accountant

Stephanie started with the ICS in 2007 after 10 years working within the shipping industry.  Originally, Stephanie started as the Institute's accountant, but this role developed into Business Manager.

In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys travel, art and food

David Barrett

Learning & Examinations Manager

David joins the ICS from a career in education and latterly educational assessment, specialising in all aspects of school examinations (setting, marking, logistics, standards-setting) in the UK and internationally.

From 1989-2003 he worked for Cambridge Assessment, linked to Cambridge University and one of the world's largest examination providers.

More recently, David has worked for Government 2004-2010 on the national testing programme, with some periods working as a self-employed consultant.

Outside of work, David is a keen rower and long-distance touring cyclist.

Graeme R Nimmo FICS

Professional Membership Manager

Since becoming a member in 1991 and being promoted to fellow in 1993, Graeme commenced employment with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in 2007 after a long career in ship's agency and terminal management at the ports of Dundee and Tilbury. In 2000, Graeme was appointed main board director of The Dundee, Perth & London Shipping Company Ltd. 

Taking care of both the Institute's individual and company members, Graeme is currently the Professional Membership Manager and General Manager of Federation Council as well as providing administrative support to the organisations Controlling and Executive Council's. 

Whilst family life accounts for most of his spare time, Graeme enjoys foreign travel, playing golf and following Dundee United's endeavors in the Scottish Premier League.

Samantha Porter

Customer Support Adviser

Samantha joined the ICS in January 2009 after a lengthy career in retail banking as a Customer Service Manager.  Samantha strives to offer exemplary customer service to all that she deals with.

Samantha is a mother of 2 who lives in Central London.  She enjoys spending time with her family.

Katerina Tsouknida

Examinations Co-ordinator

Katerina started with the ICS head office team in November 2009. Previously she worked for the ICS Greek Branch for 3 years where she was dealing with customer support, events organisation and administrative matters. She is now the Examinations Co-ordinator of the Institute.

Katerina has a BSc in Business Administration and an MA in Administration of Cultural Units and some of her interests are cinema, music, literature and travel.

Francess Toussaint

Clerical Support

Francess started with the ICS in June 2006 as an examination administrator, having previously working for HFEA as a payment clerk.  Francess primarily focuses on organising and administering our examinations. 

When she's not at work, you'll find Francess at the gym or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Ameena Begum

Accounts Assistant

Ameena started working with the ICS in 2009 as an administrator, after her previous position as a receptionist at BM Solicitors. Ameena's role quickly changed to our Accounts Assistant and currently Ameena works closely with our Business Manager Stephanie to ensure the finances run smoothly.

In her spare time Ameena likes to keep fit, listen to music and dance

Carly Fields

Editor

Carly has worked with the ICS since 2004, when she took over the Editorship of the ICS membership magazine, the Shipping Network. She is also the Editor for the Institute's monthly e-newsletters. Previously, Carly worked as an Editor for daily shipping newspaper Lloyd's List.

Holding a Maritime Studies degree from Liverpool John Moores University, Carly gained her ICS Fellowship in 2005.

Rob Miller

Customer Service Advisor

Rob joined the ICS in September 2010 as a Customer Support Advisor after having previously worked for PlayStation support. He has an extensive background in customer service and always aims to provide a world class service to those he deals with. Rob's interests include music, film and literature.

Darja Kopylova

Project Manager

Darja joined the ICS in November 2011 as a Project Manager, having previously worked in the maritime telecommunications, technology and intelligence sectors.  She has several shipping qualifications and is passionate about all things maritime. Her specialities are project management, IT projects, maritime security and market research.

Darja speaks 4 languages and enjoys travel.