Francesco Gargiulo

Chief Executive Officer at The International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC)

Speaker

Francesco Gargiulo has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) since 2015, leading the organisation through a period of significant global expansion that has positioned IMEC as the world’s foremost maritime employers’ association. Under his leadership, IMEC has strengthened its influence in industrial relations, navigated multiple complex rounds of International Bargaining Forum (IBF) negotiations, and expanded its international training and cadetship programmes across the Philippines, India, and South Africa.

With more than two decades of maritime experience, Francesco brings a deep understanding of both shipboard and shoreside operations. He spent nine years at sea with Princess Cruises, followed by 14 years in senior crewing and HR management roles at Carnival UK, MSC Cruises, and K Line, where he oversaw up to 12,000 multinational seafarers. His career has centred on fostering fair employment practices, elevating training standards, and improving seafarer welfare across the global fleet.

Today, Francesco leads IMEC’s offices in the UK and the Philippines and plays a prominent role in international collective bargaining with ITF-affiliated unions, representing responsible shipowners committed to high standards of professionalism, safety, and welfare. He is also an active contributor to online thought leadership platforms, where he advocates for reframing seafarer welfare as a strategic investment.

He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from Solent University and continues to support maritime education through advisory roles, including participation in the Warsash Maritime School’s business advisory board.