The Mission to Seafarers has appointed Guy Platten as its new chairman, bringing decades of maritime leadership experience to the role.
Platten, a chartered master mariner, most recently served as secretary general and CEO of the International Chamber of Shipping, which represents owners and operators controlling more than 80% of the world’s merchant fleet. He succeeds Tom Boardley at a time when seafarer welfare challenges remain complex.
He began his career at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and has since held senior roles across trade associations, government-linked entities and charities.
During his tenure at ICS, Platten led the industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed for improvements in seafarer welfare standards. He was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in recognition of this work.
“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of chair of the Mission to Seafarers. This is not merely a new professional chapter for me – it is a homecoming of sorts. Having spent years at sea myself, I know firsthand the loneliness, danger, and sacrifice that seafarers face every day. The Mission was a beacon of support then, and I have never lost my admiration for the extraordinary, often unsung work they do for seafarers and their families,” Platten said.
“The Mission to Seafarers is grateful to benefit from the expertise of those from the wider shipping industry. I am delighted that such an experienced and prominent person as Guy Platten will become the next chair of the board. It is a huge pleasure to welcome him and the wisdom he brings, as with the wider industry, we face the opportunities and challenges of the coming years and continue in our determination to serve both seafarers and their families at home,” added Peter Rouch.
