The Liberian Shipowners' Council will soon have a new master at the helm.

Kierstin Lachtman, CLIA's manager of maritime policy, will succeed Joe Ludwiczak as the agency's general secretary in February.

Ludwiczak will retire after leading the council for the past 17 years.

Lachtman will step down from her position with CLIA to serve as the council's new leader, spokesman Chris Hewer said.