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KPI Bridge Oil, a trader and broker of marine fuels, marine lubricants and risk management products, has confirmed the relocation and promotion of Team Leader and Bunker Trader Michalis Manassakis [pictured], who is moving to the company's Athens office and been promoted to the role of Deputy Managing Director and Sales Manager.

"Michalis has been with KPI Bridge Oil London for five years; during this time he has established himself in the Greek market and played a key role in developing KPI Bridge Oil's presence in Greece which has led to us opening a local office in Glyfada, Athens," the company said in a statement.

James Enston, Managing Director of KPI Bridge Oil London, commented: "Michalis is a dedicated team leader and an accomplished trader. He is a valued member of my team and I am pleased that we have been able to offer him the opportunity to advance his career and join the KPI Bridge Oil management team."

Though Manassakis will continue to work closely with KPI Bridge Oil London, his new focus will be working alongside managing director, Jesper D Rasmussen to further strengthen the new Athens office.

Manassakis said: "Although I will miss living and working in London, I am very excited about taking this new step in my career. I look forward to the new challenge, becoming part of a newly established team and having an active role in its development."

Carsten Ladekjaer, KPI Bridge Oil's CEO, remarked: "Michalis is the perfect candidate for the position. He has shown great leadership skills over the years at KPI Bridge Oil London and he knows the Greek market extremely well, this fantastic opportunity is well earned."

Ladekjaer added: "Michalis will be a great asset to KPI Bridge Oil Athens business development operations, and the Athens trading team."

Manassakis has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical Institute of Greece and a master's degree in Business Administration from Leicester University, UK. Prior to joining KPI Bridge Oil in 2011, he already had more than six years' experience in the shipping industry working as a sales executive and key account manager for coatings producer PPG Industries in Greece.

Rasmussen said: "The KPI Bridge Oil Athens team know Michalis well and are pleased to be welcoming him back to Greece. We are thrilled to be gaining such a strong team player and I personally look forward to working with Michalis to further strengthen our operations here in Athens."