Afrodite Dellaporta assumed her current position as head of legal at A.M. Nomikos Transworld Maritime Agencies in September 1997. Understanding that her career path is always a ‘work in progress’ Dellaporta knows how important it is to fully understand the workings and intricacies of the global dry bulk shipping industry she is servicing. ‘Only then can I be an integral part of the business, when I am “commercially effective”, because I am helping with development and growth’ she adds.

Working in one of the oldest industries, but one that is nevertheless continuously changing, adopting and evolving has been highly advantageous for Dellaporta: ‘This industry continues to mould me, both as a legal professional and as a person, almost daily. The changes I have experienced over my career are many, both good and difficult, and they have all shaped me’. During her time at A.M Nomikos she has redefined and modernised the role of the in-house counsel within the organisation and subsequently created a small, but very effective & strong legal department team, which continues to grow.

She takes pride in her role in creating a function that is no longer simply a reactive or ‘fire-fighting’ role but is now a very active member of the business development side of the company. Much of her daily work involves displaying strategic awareness and anticipating the effects that any industry changes, market, political, regulatory, technological and or global changes can bring, as well as any major internal or external organisational changes. Over the years she has assisted with the growth of the fleet and the company, bank financing transactions, joint-ventures, new building construction projects, which involved significant negotiation with leading banks, major shipyards and companies, as well as assisted with the restructuring of debt after the financial crisis. She has played a key role in the development, expansion and structuring of the company which was carried out in cooperation with the technical, finance and commercial departments as well as the CEO.