The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation’s (SLSMC) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Demetrios (Jim) Athanasiou as its next president and chief executive officer. Athanasiou replaces Terence F. Bowles, who is retiring as the longest serving SLSMC president, having taken over this role in November 2010. Prior to joining the SLSMC, he was president and CEO of the Iron Ore Company of Canada and worked for many years with QIT Fer et Titane du Quebec. Athanasiou will take over the role from Bowles on July 12, 2024.

Under Bowles’ leadership, SLSMC received the OECD International Transport Forum Promising Transport Innovation Award for the development of its hands free-mooring and remote operations. This was the most significant change to the operation of the Seaway since its opening in 1959, and has resulted in improved safety and efficiency for SLSMC employees, as well as for vessels transiting the system.

Athanasiou joined the SLSMC in 2008 as corporate mechanical engineering manager and moved up to vice president of engineering and technology.