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Key People

Leadership with a Vision

Behind every successful organization is a team of dedicated, visionary leaders.

At Navilands Group, our leadership team combines decades of maritime expertise with innovative thinking, driving our mission to redefine ship management forward. These key individuals are the foundation of our success, steering the company toward a future of growth and progress.

Our Team

Captain Panagiotis Foinikis

Co-Founder & CEO

Captain Panagiotis Foinikis is the visionary leader behind Navilands Group, leveraging his deep industry knowledge to shape the company’s innovative "Islands" model. His 37-year long career in ship management has played a key role in the early development and strategic direction of the company, with a strong focus on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and sustainable practices.

Costas Kontes

Chief Commercial Officer

Costas Kontes is a seasoned third-party management expert with over 25 years of experience. As Navilands’ Chief Commercial Officer, he is responsible for driving the Group’s business growth; he shapes the company’s commercial strategy, fostering long-term relationships, and strengthens Navilands’ competitive position in the industry.

Captain Nikolaos Skinitis

Marine HR Director

Capt. Nikolaos Skinitis brings a wealth of experience in managing seafarers and marine teams. With his hands-on approach, Navilands Group attracts and nurtures the best talent in the industry.

Shen Xiaodong

Regional Director

Shen Xiaodong serves as Regional Director for Navilands Group in Asia, bringing over 30 years of operational and corporate experience. He plays a key role in the strategic development of Navilands’ regional operations, expanding its presence and enhancing its commercial position across Asia.

Manos Chamilothoris

General Counsel

Manos Chamilothoris leads the legal function at Navilands Group, overseeing all legal and compliance matters across the Group. With experience that spans from Wall Street to major international law firms, he brings a deep understanding of commercial, regulatory, and transactional issues in the global shipping sector. His practical, business-focused legal guidance supports strong governance and drives innovation in third-party ship management.

Konstantinos Sismanidis

Group HSQE Director

Konstantinos Sismanidis is the driving force behind Navilands Group’s commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental responsibility. With his meticulous eye for detail and passion for continuous improvement, Navilands Group not only meets but exceeds industry standards, setting a benchmark for safety and sustainability.

Athanasios Lampridis

Group Finance Manager

A seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in the maritime sector, Athanasios Lampridis oversees the financial operations of Navilands Group. Thanks to his expertise the company delivers maximum value to its clients.

Lydia Ntamkarelou

Group Operational Excellence Manager

Lydia Ntamkarelou is at the helm of Navilands Group’s operational excellence. Her ability to synthesize complex procedures into actionable insights ensures that the company’s performance is consistently optimized. With a focus on benchmarking, live data analysis, and actionable KPIs, she empowers teams to achieve unparalleled efficiency.

George Bougiakas

Group IT Manager

As the architect of Navilands Group’s cutting-edge IT infrastructure, George Bougiakas accomplishes seamless operations across all levels of the organization. He is instrumental in enabling Navilands Group to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Captain George Gogios

Group Marine HR Manager

Capt. George Gogios is an experienced maritime professional with extensive expertise in crew management, ship operations, and marine personnel development. As Group Marine HR Manager, he leads crew engagement, training, and talent development initiatives, helping to maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the fleet.

Kyriaki Lignou

Group Procurement Manager

Kyriaki Lignou utilizes her extensive industry knowledge to manage procurement and contract operations across multiple platforms. She is fundamental in driving commercial savings, enhancing efficiency, and securing strategic contracts, ensuring Navilands delivers cost-effective, high-quality services while maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Captain George Mouratis

General Manager at Navilands Container Management Ltd.

Capt. George Mouratis leads Navilands Container Management Ltd, driving strategic growth and ensuring operational excellence. With P&L accountability, he oversees vessel portfolio expansion, enhances service standards, and identifies growth opportunities in collaboration with high-performing teams.

George Benetos

General Manager at Navilands Bulker Management Ltd.

George Benetos is an experienced maritime executive with extensive expertise in ship management and commercial operations. As General Manager of Navilands Bulker Management Ltd., he leads the Group's dry bulk activities, focusing on business growth, client relationships, vessel performance, and the delivery of efficient, value-driven ship management solutions.

Zhang Xuejun

General Manager at Navilands (Shanghai) Container Management Co., Ltd.

Zhang Xuejun leads Navilands Shanghai Container, overseeing operations with a focus on technical precision, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. With over 20 years of combined experience in container vessel and bulker carrier management, he has consistently delivered on-time, client-focused maritime solutions.

Captain Symeon Kelaiditis

General Manager at Navilands Ship Management Inc.

Capt. Symeon Kelaiditis is an experienced maritime professional with over 15 years of sea-going and ship management experience. As General Manager of Navilands Shipmanagement Inc. in Manila, he leads operations with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, crew development, and client service. His leadership and people-centric approach support the delivery of high-quality, owner-focused ship management solutions.

Razel Pengson

President of Navilands Marine Inc.

Razel Pengson brings over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry. Her passion for crewing and dedication to nurturing the next generation of maritime leaders drive the company’s success, fostering growth.