9 Jan 2024

Shipping Innovation (SI), owner and organiser of London International Shipping Week (LISW), is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Long as its new managing director. Gareth, who has significant knowledge and experience of LISW, having worked on LISW19, LISW21 and LISW23 as part of the UK Government team at the Department for Transport (DfT), will head up the SI team delivering this global must-attend maritime event. 

He will report to Sean Moloney and Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, joint Founders and CEOs of SI. All three will sit on the LISW25 Steering Group and Board of Advisors. This exciting appointment coincides with confirmation that LISW 2025 will take place in London from 15 to 19 September next year with the Gala Dinner once again booked for the Thursday night at Evolution London in Battersea Park.

Part of the DfT’s delivery team

Welcoming Gareth to the team, Sean and Llewellyn highlighted the various strengths that Gareth will bring to the position. “Gareth knows LISW intricately, having worked on the last three events as part of the DfT’s delivery team. He is dedicated to, and passionate about, making it the number one event on the global maritime calendar,” said Sean Moloney.

Gareth knows LISW intricately, having worked on the last three events as part of the DfT’s delivery team

His commitment to the growth in global significance of the London and UK maritime sphere coupled with his knowledge of the workings of government can only enhance the working relationships LISW has across Whitehall and the various governments abroad. Now that we have the date fixed for LISW25 and a stronger team in place, we can power ahead to deliver a global event that is even bigger and better than before.”

Strategic direction of LISW

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes added: “Gareth’s passion for the maritime sector – and LISW in particular – is undeniable, and I am delighted to welcome him onboard."

In becoming Managing Director, Gareth will ensure continuity of purpose and uphold the values and aims of this world-scale event. He will also be instrumental in driving the strategic direction of LISW to ensure that it remains an innovative and exciting forum that always delivers the best in knowledge and insights about the increasingly complex global shipping industry.”

Momentum of LISW23

Gareth, who will assume his position at the beginning of February, added: “I am delighted to be taking the helm of delivering London International Shipping Week."

"With global shipping very much in the spotlight at the moment, it’s imperative that we maintain the momentum of LISW23 going into 2025, with the UK firmly at the forefront.”