Shipping has always been built on trust, reputation, and personal relationships. This is particularly true in Greece and Cyprus, where knowing the right people can open many doors.
But when a company needs to hire a senior professional, knowing people is not the same as finding the right person.
Personal recommendations and professional networks remain valuable. However, as roles become more specialized and business demands increase, relying on the same networks can mean missing out on highly capable people.
The challenge is not always a lack of talent. It is discovering the right people, including those who may be overlooked by traditional recruitment methods, and understanding what they could bring to a business.
The best candidates may not be looking
Many experienced maritime professionals are not actively looking for a new position. They may be happy in their current role but willing to consider the right opportunity.
In Greece and Cyprus, confidentiality is of paramount importance. The shipping community is closely connected, and professionals may worry that their employer will find out they are considering a move. Some candidates even share CVs without their company name to protect their privacy.
Reaching these people takes more than advertising vacancies or searching databases. It requires market knowledge, trusted relationships and a careful, discreet approach.
A good CV is not the whole story
Someone may have an excellent reputation and a successful track record yet still be the wrong fit for a particular role. Companies need to understand whether candidates have the right technical knowledge, commercial judgement and leadership skills. They must also consider whether the person can succeed within their management style, culture and business environment.
This is where Executive Search makes a difference. It starts by understanding what the business really needs, then identifies suitable professionals, approaches them directly and assesses their capabilities against the role.
The aim is not simply to present candidates. It is to help the company make a better hiring decision.
Finding the right person is only half the job
Attracting the right candidate can be just as challenging as finding them.
For senior professionals, salary matters, but it is rarely the only factor. Management quality, responsibilities, company culture, and future career prospects all influence whether a move makes sense.
A professional search process explores what would genuinely motivate the candidate and whether the company can meet their expectations. A higher salary may attract attention, but it does not guarantee the right long-term move for either side.
Why local knowledge matters
Greece and Cyprus are closely connected maritime markets, but each has its own business culture, ownership structures, and ways of making decisions. International reach is valuable, but understanding the local market is equally important, especially when dealing with confidential approaches and senior appointments.
Shipping does not need to abandon its relationship-driven culture. Trust remains one of its greatest strengths. But trust should be the starting point, not the entire hiring process.
Ultimately, successful Executive Search means looking beyond familiar names, assessing candidates holistically and bringing the right person and the right opportunity together.
* By Giannis Giannopoulos, Managing Partner at Antal International, a London-based multinational executive search firm
He specializes in Maritime Executive Search across Cyprus, Greece, and international markets. Connect with Giannis on LinkedIn.
