The Marshall Islands, one of the world’s leading flag states, is appointing a new executive management team following the retirement of John Ramage as chief operating officer.

Over the past 20 years, Ramage has been a key figure in the dramatic growth of the Marshall Islands flag through his work at its management company International Registries Inc (IRI).

The current director of worldwide business operations, Theo Xenakoudis, is to replace him as global chief operating officer, in charge of ship registration and commercial matters.