WISTA International elects Céline Mortier as new president
Céline Mortier, Chief Executive of Belgian maritime navigation services provider, Bogerd Martin, has been elected president of WISTA International, succeeding Elpi Petraki after four years leading the global organisation.
Mortier, who previously served as president of WISTA Belgium, was appointed during the association’s annual general meeting and conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, held from October 28 to 30.
Founded in 1974, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) is a global organisation that promotes women’s participation, professional development, and leadership across the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors.
“I am delighted to take on the role of President of WISTA International at a time of continued growth for our global network and undertake to work with purpose to advance WISTA’s mission and impact,” Mortier said.
Her appointment comes as the organisation continues expanding its international presence.
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Four new national associations were admitted during the AGM, representing the Bahamas, Egypt, Montenegro and the Philippines, bringing WISTA’s network to 64 national associations and more than 6,500 members worldwide.
The meeting also saw Maryana Stober, Diruni Chanmugam, and Amsha Gengan join the executive committee, with Gengan taking over as secretary general.
Mortier takes over from Petraki, who was first elected president in October 2022 and served two consecutive terms.
WISTA has strengthened its international standing during that period, building on its consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and expanding initiatives aimed at increasing women’s representation in shipping.
More than 250 maritime professionals attended the Kuala Lumpur conference, which was jointly hosted by WISTA Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.
The organisation also presented its Corporate Diversity Award to Mercantile Marine Management. The next WISTA International AGM and Conference will take place in Brazil from October 27 to 29, 2027, with Istanbul selected to host the 2028 gathering.
