The Mission to Seafarers Appoints Guy Platten as New Chair

Acclaimed maritime leader and Chartered Master Mariner to steer renowned seafarer welfare charity

LONDON, 30 April 2026 – The Mission to Seafarers is pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Platten as its new Chair. A Chartered Master Mariner and one of the maritime industry’s most respected figures, Platten brings more than four decades of senior leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as Secretary General and CEO of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). He takes up the position from Tom Boardley, whose tenure as Chair is warmly recognised by the board, at a time when the welfare needs of the world’s seafarers remain both complex and pressing.

Platten began his career at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, and that grounding has shaped a professional life defined by commitment to the people who keep global trade moving. Named in Lloyd’s List’s top 20 most influential figures in the industry, he has held senior executive and board-level positions across international trade associations, government-owned entities, and charitable organisations.

During his tenure as CEO of the ICS, representing owners and operators of more than 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, he led the industry’s global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully lobbying governments to grant seafarers ‘key worker’ status and driving lasting improvements to seafarer welfare standards. He was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in recognition of this work.

Guy Platten, Chairman of The Mission to Seafarers said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Mission to Seafarers. This is not merely a new professional chapter for me – it is a homecoming of sorts. Having spent years at sea myself, I know firsthand the loneliness, danger, and sacrifice that seafarers face every day. The Mission was a beacon of support then, and I have never lost my admiration for the extraordinary, often unsung, work they do to support seafarers and their families. I look forward to giving back to an organisation that has given and continues to give so much.”

Platten succeeds Thomas Boardley, who commented: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Mission, and I am delighted that Guy will be taking on this role. As my term of office ends, I can only reflect on all the great work achieved by those at the Mission, dedicated to improving seafarers welfare, often operating under difficult circumstances. Guy will join a diligent and highly engaged Board of Trustees, working with a very experienced leadership team, and I’m confident the organisation is in good hands.”

The Mission’s Secretary General, Peter Rouch added: “The Mission to Seafarers is grateful to benefit from the expertise of those from the wider shipping industry. As Tom Boardley’s nine years as Chair of the Board come to completion, we thankfully recognise the huge experience he has brought to bear in that role. I am delighted that such an experienced and prominent person as Guy Platten will become the next Chair of the Board for MtS. A long-time friend and supporter of MtS, Guy’s advice has been valued by many people, businesses, and organisations, which include MtS, most especially in his tenure as Secretary General of ICS. It is a huge pleasure to welcome him and the wisdom he brings, as with the wider industry, we face the opportunities and challenges of the coming years and continue in our determination to serve both seafarers and their families at home.”