OCIMF today announced the appointment of Don Davis as its new Managing Director. Don joins the organisation at a pivotal moment, as OCIMF enters a new phase following the recent evolution of its mission and brand to support maritime safety across the wider energy sector.
Don will join OCIMF on secondment from Chevron and assume the role on 1 July 2026. He succeeds Karen Davis, who will remain with the organisation until the end of June to support a smooth leadership transition.
The appointment comes at a significant milestone in OCIMF’s evolution. Under Karen's leadership, the organisation recently adopted its new mission, ‘United in purpose to drive maritime safety in the energy sector’, reflecting its evolving role in supporting safe and responsible maritime operations across an increasingly diverse energy landscape.
As Managing Director, Don will guide OCIMF's work to support maritime safety, environmental stewardship and operational best practice across the global maritime industry, while helping to deliver the organisation's strategic priorities for the future.
Don joins OCIMF from Chevron Shipping Company, where he currently serves as General Manager of Global Marine Assurance. With more than three decades of experience across tanker, barge, marine terminal and offshore vessel operations, he brings extensive expertise in maritime safety, operational assurance and leadership. He is also well known within OCIMF, having served for the past five years as Chevron's representative on the Publication & Advocacy Offshore Principal Committee, including the last four years as Chair, and currently serves as Chevron's alternate representative on the OCIMF Executive Committee.
OCIMF Chair, Lambros Klaudatos, said: "We are delighted to welcome Don to OCIMF. He brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, strategic leadership and deep industry knowledge. Having worked closely with OCIMF for many years, he has a strong understanding of our members, our mission and the challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry.
"As the energy sector continues to evolve, maritime safety remains fundamental to our industry's success. Don's experience and commitment to collaboration and operational excellence make him exceptionally well placed to lead OCIMF through its next chapter." Lambros Klaudatos also paid tribute to Karen Davis for her contribution to the organisation.
"Karen has provided outstanding leadership during her time as Managing Director and has helped position OCIMF for the future. She has overseen an important period of change for the organisation, including the successful launch of SIRE 2.0 and the development of OCIMF's new mission and broader role across the energy sector. On behalf of the Board and the wider OCIMF community, I would like to thank her for her dedication, professionalism and the significant contribution she has made to both the organisation and the industry."
Commenting on his appointment, Don Davis said: "It is a privilege to join OCIMF at such an important time for the maritime industry. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the industry's commitment to safety, collaboration and operational excellence has never been more important.
"OCIMF plays a unique role in bringing stakeholders together to share knowledge, develop best practice and address emerging challenges. I look forward to working with members, industry partners and colleagues around the world to build on the organisation's strong foundations and support its future ambitions."
Karen Davis said: "It has been an honour to serve as Managing Director of OCIMF. I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the support of colleagues, members and industry partners throughout my time with the organisation.
"The launch of SIRE 2.0 in 2024 and more recently the evolution of our brand and adoption of our new mission reflect OCIMF's ability to adapt and lead as the energy sector continues to change. I look forward to working closely with Don over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition and to support the organisation's continued success."
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