Personalities

Julie Lithgow

Director

David Barrett

Learning & Examinations Manager

David joins the ICS from a career in education and latterly educational assessment, specialising in all aspects of school examinations (setting, marking, logistics, standards-setting) in the UK and internationally.

From 1989-2003 he worked for Cambridge Assessment, linked to Cambridge University and one of the world's largest examination providers.

More recently, David has worked for Government 2004-2010 on the national testing programme, with some periods working as a self-employed consultant.

Outside of work, David is a keen rower and long-distance touring cyclist.

Graeme R Nimmo FICS

Professional Membership Manager

Since becoming a member in 1991 and being promoted to fellow in 1993, Graeme commenced employment with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in 2007 after a long career in ship's agency and terminal management at the ports of Dundee and Tilbury. In 2000, Graeme was appointed main board director of The Dundee, Perth & London Shipping Company Ltd. 

Taking care of both the Institute's individual and company members, Graeme is currently the Professional Membership Manager and General Manager of Federation Council as well as providing administrative support to the organisations Controlling and Executive Council's. 

Whilst family life accounts for most of his spare time, Graeme enjoys foreign travel, playing golf and following Dundee United's endeavors in the Scottish Premier League.

Samantha Porter

Customer Support Adviser

Samantha joined the ICS in January 2009 after a lengthy career in retail banking as a Customer Service Manager.  Samantha strives to offer exemplary customer service to all that she deals with.

Samantha is a mother of 2 who lives in Central London.  She enjoys spending time with her family.

Maria Persad

Customer Support Assistant

Maria joined ICS in July 2012 having previously worked in the maritime sector for almost 3 years. She has a first class degree in Modern Languages and International Studies and in the past she has worked in the retail industry, the diplomatic sector, as well as in banking.

In her spare time she likes reading, going to the theatre and travelling.

Francess Toussaint

Clerical Support

Francess started with the ICS in June 2006 as an examination administrator, having previously working for HFEA as a payment clerk.  Francess primarily focuses on organising and administering our examinations. 

When she's not at work, you'll find Francess at the gym or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Ameena Begum

Accounts Assistant

Ameena started working with the ICS in 2009 as an administrator, after her previous position as a receptionist at BM Solicitors. Ameena's role quickly changed to our Accounts Assistant and currently Ameena works closely with our Business Manager Stephanie to ensure the finances run smoothly.

In her spare time Ameena likes to keep fit, listen to music and dance

Carly Fields

Editor

Carly has worked with the ICS since 2004, when she took over the Editorship of the ICS membership magazine, the Shipping Network. She is also the Editor for the Institute's monthly e-newsletters. Previously, Carly worked as an Editor for daily shipping newspaper Lloyd's List.

Holding a Maritime Studies degree from Liverpool John Moores University, Carly gained her ICS Fellowship in 2005.

Darja Kopylova

Project Manager

Darja joined the ICS in November 2011 as a Project Manager, having previously worked in the maritime telecommunications, technology and intelligence sectors. She is responsible for managing back-office modernisation, IT infrastructure and process development projects.

Darja speaks 4 languages and loves travel. She enjoys sports and is a member of a competing synchronised swimming club.

Stella Piermattei

Membership Coordinator

Stella joined the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in September 2011.

Together with our Professional Membership Manager, Graeme Nimmo, she coordinates the Institute's membership.

Stella has a Master degree in education and previous experience as a childhood educator.

In her spare time Stella enjoys travel, reading and diving.

Yonko Dzhenkov

Accounts Assistant

Yonko joined the accounting team in February 2012. It is his first professional job in the accountancy field. Previously he worked as a volunteer accounts assistant in a chartered accountants firm. Yonko has a Bachelor degree in Marketing from University of Economics and he is currently studying CIMA qualification.

His hobbies are travelling, backpacking, playing and watching football.

Nic Ingle

Commercial Project Manager

Nic Joined the ICS in July 2012 after 10 years in the civil service.

He graduated the University of Plymouth in 1998 with a BSc Maritime Business/Maritime Law and a MSc International Shipping.

Before joining us, Nic was with the Department for Transport for 8 years and initially worked on the UK tonnage tax regime, UK seafarer training and international conventions.  He then moved to aviation security and was responsible for the writing and implementation of UK aviation security training in accordance with EU regulation. During his time in aviation security he also produced award winning training films and was on the team responsible for air restrictions over London during the Olympics.

Away from the office Nic enjoys motor sport and horse racing and is the registered owner of Grand National winning silks!