Member Spotlight - Paillette Palaiologou
Paillette Palaiologou, Senior Vice President for Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, joined SNAME in 2002 because she wanted to be part of an international technical community that truly shapes the future of naval architecture and marine engineering.
“Being able to exchange ideas with peers from all over the world, access high-quality technical knowledge and contribute to the development of best practices and standards” was, and remains, extremely motivating for Palaiologou. She believes SNAME offers “a unique bridge between academia, research, shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies” and that “belonging to such a community would help me grow not only as an engineer, but also as a leader in our industry.” Palaiologou has built a distinguished career spanning ship management, classification, and global commercial strategy. She leads operations across a vast and strategically critical region, guiding shipowners through decarbonization, regulatory complexity, and technological transformation. Recognized as one of the most influential women in shipping, she combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, contributing to both industry advancement and the development of future maritime leaders.
Palaiologou has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from
the University of Glasgow and a Master of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Newcastle upon
Tyne University. Her professional journey started at Oceanbulk Maritime S.A. in Athens, Greece, and in
2005 she joined Bureau Veritas. She now leads strategic growth, client partnerships, and sustainability
initiatives across East Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa. Palaiologou supports shipowners
through decarbonization, digitalization, and risk management.
Palaiologou says she moved to Bureau Veritas “to broaden my impact beyond a single fleet and
contribute more directly to the overall safety and quality framework of our industry.” She had realized
the important role of classification societies in shaping standards, supporting innovation, and protecting
people, assets, and the environment. SNAME remains an important part of Palaiologou’s professional
life, and she encourages others to join.
For those who are new to SNAME, she offers this advice: “Do not treat it as just a ‘membership.’ Take
advantage of the technical papers, webinars, and conferences; volunteer in committees; present your
work, even if it feels modest at the beginning; and most importantly, build relationships with people
who share your curiosity and passion for ships and the sea. SNAME can become a lifelong professional
home if you are prepared to invest your time and energy in it.”
When asked about accomplishments she is proud of, Palaiologou points to people: “If, through my
example and my decisions, I have helped others – especially young women and men in our industry –
to grow, believe in themselves and take on more responsibility, then I consider that my most
meaningful accomplishment."