NorthStandard vice chair Nicolas Hadjioannou, centre, with chair Cesare d’Amico to his right, along with managing directors Paul Jennings and Jeremy Grose standing behind. Pictured with cadets and staff from South Shields Marine School and Kate Gillespie, head of NorthStandard Academy.

NorthStandard charts course for future talent

A marine insurer is strengthening local ties while inspiring the next generation.

NorthStandard, one of the world’s leading marine insurers, hosted its international board meeting at its Newcastle headquarters on the Quayside, welcoming cadets from South Shields Marine School to offer them insight into careers in the shipping and insurance industries.

Chaired by Cesare d’Amico, chief executive of d'Amico Societa di Navigazione SpA, with Nicolas Hadjioannou, chief executive of Cymona Shipping Management SAM and executive chairman of Alassia Newships Management serving as a vice chair, NorthStandard’s board brings together 16 directors from around the world, including leading international shipowners.

During the visit, cadets took part in workshops covering mutual underwriting, P&I associations and seafarer support.

They also met staff – many of whom are former seafarers – to learn about career paths in marine insurance.

The day concluded with a Q&A session with the Cesare and Nicolas, giving cadets insight into the future of the industry and the opportunities ahead.

Cesare said: “It was an honour to hold our board meeting in Newcastle, a city that has played such an important role in maritime history and continues to drive innovation today – and there is no better way to celebrate this than by fostering the next generation of industry talent.”

Simon Ashton, principal of South Shields Marine School, added: “We would like to thank the staff at NorthStandard for inviting us to discover and learn more about the valuable work they do for the wider maritime industry.

“For our cadets, the world of maritime insurance is a valuable part of their studies, and the knowledge and guidance they have received will benefit them in their future when working at sea.”

Paul Jennings, managing director of NorthStandard, which employs more than 300 people locally and over 700 across 13 countries, added: “Having our largest UK headquarter office strategically located in Newcastle pays homage to a proud maritime legacy, while highlighting the North East’s ongoing role as a leading global marine hub.

“We are proud to bring our board together here to the Quayside, where part of our story began.”

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