ClassNK’s former UK managing director Dr Abdul Rahim has joined Dubai-based Lila Global as its new chief maritime strategy and innovation officer.

The shipowner, a spin-off from Dr Anil Sharma’s GMS ship recycling empire, said late on Thursday that Rahim is moving to Dubai to “drive transformative strategies and foster innovation” at the company and the wider shipping industry.

Rahim was said to be bringing “more than three decades of distinguished experience to this position, including a proven track record of leadership and innovation”.