There are changes afoot in the management team at Oslo-listed Okeanis Eco Tankers.

Chief executive Ioannis Alafouzos is set to leave the top spot to his son, chief operations officer Aristidis Alafouzos, effective 1 December, with the elder Alafouzos remaining as chairman of the Oslo-listed tanker owner.

“Together with the rest of the OET team, we have been building a high-performance tanker company through a period of high volatility, and at times strongly adverse market conditions,” Aristidis Alafouzos said.

“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and am greatly humbled by the confidence placed in me by the board of directors. I am confident that my years as [chief operations officer] have taught me invaluable lessons which I shall put to use in service to the company and our shareholders.”

Additionally, Iraklis Sbarounis will join the Greek company as chief financial officer and Konstantinos Oikonompoulos will shift to chief development officer.

Sbarounis starts on 9 January.

“We are pleased to announce the strengthening of our management team,” said Ioannis Alafouzos, who according to the company's last annual report owned 56.7% of the company's shares.

“The management team share the values that have shaped OET, and their insights and experience will serve as the basis to lead and develop the company going forward.

“I look forward to continuing working with the rest of our board of directors and ensure the long-term vision of OET

Sbarounis joins after 14 years at TMS Shipping Group, having served as finance chief there and at Ocean Rig.

He had previously worked as an investment banker with BNP Paribas.

This story has been amended since publication to correctly spell the name of Iraklis Sbarounis.