Karrie Trauth, executive vice president of shipping and maritime at Shell, has been elected president of the UK Chamber of Shipping at the organisation’s annual general meeting this week. Donnacha O’Driscoll, executive vice president for maritime and sustainability at Carnival UK, was confirmed as vice president.
Trauth succeeds JB Rae Smith, who stepped down after a two-year term. His presidency covered a period of market volatility and a renewed strategic focus for the Chamber.
In her first remarks, Trauth said it was an honour to be elected president of the UK Chamber of Shipping. She said the sector is important to the UK’s prosperity and global stability, and added that the UK must remain one of the most competitive and attractive maritime nations in the world as the industry faces changing challenges.
She also said she wants to widen access to careers in shipping. Trauth noted that she is only the second woman to hold the role in the Chamber’s nearly 150-year history, and said she wants to broaden the talent pipeline for women and men while encouraging young people who do not yet see themselves represented in the industry.
Trauth brings more than three decades of experience across shipping, energy and maritime operations. She took up her current role at Shell in 2025 after holding senior leadership positions within the company.
Her experience includes ship design, shipbuilding, digitalisation, decarbonisation and maritime safety. She began her career as a surface warfare officer in the US Navy.
UK Chamber of Shipping CEO Rhett Hatcher said Trauth’s appointment comes at a time of rapid change for the sector. He said she brings extensive experience, strategic clarity and global perspective to the presidency amid geopolitical volatility, economic transition and technological change.
Outgoing president Smith said the leadership transition comes at an important time for the industry, with competitiveness, collaboration and skills expected to remain high on the agenda.
