Danae Bezantakou Becomes First Woman to Lead Propeller Club

Danae Bezantakou has become the first woman to be elected President of the International Propeller Club, Port of Piraeus, marking a historic milestone in the organisation's 91-year history. The Chief Executive Officer of Navigator Shipping Consultants will lead the Club for a three-year term from June 2026 to June 2029, succeeding Costis Frangoulis, who served as President for seven years. Her appointment reflects the growing influence of women in the global maritime sector and signals a new chapter for one of the shipping industry's most respected organisations.

Key Highlights:

• Danae Bezantakou becomes the first female President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus
• She will lead the historic maritime organisation from 2026 to 2029
• Her election reflects growing female leadership in the global shipping industry

Founded more than nine decades ago, the Piraeus chapter is the oldest active branch of the International Propeller Club outside the United States and has played a significant role in promoting the maritime industry while strengthening Greek-American shipping relations. Bezantakou secured the presidency after receiving 414 votes in the Club's elections on 29 June, with the newly elected Board of Governors formally taking office on 1 July. The 16-member board combines continuity and renewal, with 10 returning governors and six newly elected members.

Outgoing President Costis Frangoulis described the election as a historic moment for the organisation, noting that the appointment of its first female President represented a significant step in the Club's evolution. While stepping down from the Piraeus leadership, Frangoulis will continue serving as International President of the International Propeller Club and expressed confidence that Bezantakou would strengthen the organisation's influence and continue promoting Greek shipping globally.

Bezantakou brings extensive leadership experience to the role, having spent several years serving in senior positions within the Club, including Secretary General and First Vice President. Following her election, she described the presidency as both a great honour and a major responsibility, pledging to work closely with members to deliver a dynamic, collaborative, and outward-looking three-year term.

Beyond the Propeller Club, Bezantakou is widely recognised for her contribution to the maritime industry. As CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, she organises NAVIGATOR – The Shipping Decision Makers Forum, one of Greece's longest-running maritime conferences. She has also worked extensively to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in shipping by founding the Young Executives Shipping (YES) Forum and introducing the first Youth Day at the Posidonia exhibition, which has become a permanent feature of the international maritime event.

Alongside her work in shipping, Bezantakou actively promotes women's leadership and entrepreneurship. She serves as President of the iforU-Greek Mentoring Network, supporting women entrepreneurs through mentoring and networking opportunities. She also chairs the Education Committee at ICC Women Hellas and the Human Resources Committee of WISTA International.