23^rd May 2025 – The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) announces the conclusion of Capt. Belal Ahmed’s tenure as Chairman, marking the end of a transformative six-year leadership term. Having dedicated two decades to the organisation, Capt. Belal has been a driving force behind IMEC’s growth, shaping its direction and reinforcing its position as a global leader in maritime industrial relations.
From his early contributions as a Board Member to his impactful leadership as Chairman, Capt. Belal has been integral to many of IMEC’s milestones. Among the notable achievements are the successful launch of cadet training programmes in the Philippines and the establishment of the Global Partnership between IMEC, ICS and ITF.  
During the Covid-19 crisis, Capt Belal and key industry leaders coordinated a global initiative for the establishment of seafarers’ quarantine facilities and actively lobbied governments and UN bodies to recognise seafarers as key workers.
With a strong commitment to seafarer training, Capt Belal contributed to global discussions on the future of shipping and the role of seafarers. He has been actively involved in supporting the industry’s decarbonisation goals and the creation of a global training fund to help seafarers adapt to new technologies and sustainable fuels.
On behalf of the Board, its Members, and the Secretariat—past and present— IMEC express sincere gratitude for Belal’s unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership. His legacy will guide the organisations work for years to come.
Succeeding him is Simon Spacey, Director of Maritime Industrial Relations at CMA CGM. With a longstanding connection to IMEC and having served as Vice Chairman for over 10 years, Simon brings deep industry expertise and continuity to the role. He has been a key figure in IBF negotiations alongside Belal and will now lead IMEC into its next chapter.
 
 
 
” It has been a great honour to lead IMEC for the past six years. During this time, the shipping industry went through unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic that had repercussions on the lives of seafarers. IMEC not only dealt with the crisis but emerged as a clear leader in the safeguarding of seafarers’ welfare during those difficult times. Today, IMEC is recognised as a leader by employers, shipowners, and it is seen as the best choice to promote shipping that is sustainable, fair, and balanced. I wish my friend and long-term colleague in IMEC, Simon Spacey, every success. He will surely bring new ideas and lead the organisation to greater achievements. IMEC brings solutions to companies large and small, and I wish for the same to continue in the foreseeable future.”
– Capt. Belal Ahmed, Outgoing Chairman, IMEC
 
 
“Looking back to when I joined IMEC some twenty years ago I never once imagined that one day I would serve as its Chairman, so I am extremely proud, honoured and humbled to be entrusted to do so now. It will certainly not be easy to follow in Captain Belal’s footsteps, but I do so with the knowledge that I have a great team behind me. Under his superb leadership, not only have we weathered many a difficult storm, but we have also continued to develop and strengthen our authority and influence within the fields of Seafarer employment and training. I believe that we have done well but there is always more to do. I remain confident that with the support from our Board of Directors and, also our Secretariat, we will continue to achieve new goals and overcome the certain challenges that lie ahead.”
– Simon Spacey, Incoming Chairman, IMEC
 
 
“Captain Belal has been instrumental in all the great things IMEC has achieved in the last decade. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him in my ten years at IMEC, first as a Vice Chair and then as Chairman for the last six. He has led us to places which were unimaginable when I first arrived showing foresight and courage when setting our strategy. On a personal level I have learned a huge amount from him, and his example has changed the way I deal with difficult situations forever. I look at today’s changing of the guard with both sadness and excitement in equal measures as I am sad for this end of an era but excited about what lies ahead with Simon taking over and bringing different views and approaches.”
– Francesco Gargiulo, CEO, IMEC

 
About IMEC
The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) is the only international employers’ organisation dedicated to maritime industrial relations. Representing over 300 maritime employers located across the globe. IMEC co-ordinates the views of its Members and negotiates fair and sustainable seafarers’ wages and conditions of employment on their behalf.

Media Contact:
Hilary Ho
Marketing Executive
hilary.ho@imec.org.uk