ANDI Case, the chief executive of shipping's largest brokerage Clarksons, holds his stead amid challenging markets.

He has weathered troughs and climbed peaks during his 11 years in the role.

The company, based in London, saw pre-tax profits rise to £19.2m ($25m) in the first six months of 2019 from £18m a year earlier.

“Clarksons has delivered a robust performance in the first half of 2019, with revenue up 10% and underlying profit up 5% on the first half of 2018, despite suppressed investor appetite weighing on the financial markets,” Mr Case said at the time of the half-year results.

“As in previous years, our business remains second-half weighted and we anticipate that the upcoming introduction of IMO 2020 will cause market disruption, supporting higher freight rates, as the supply of available vessels is impacted.

“This, and a broader rebalancing of supply and demand dynamics, means we remain confident in the outlook for Clarksons and the shipping markets, both in the coming months and longer term.”

While there were no new listings of companies within its coverage in the US or Norway, it did complete six equity offerings and two debt offerings, raising about $830m.

Further transactions were postponed due to market conditions, it said, adding that once confidence returns, the financial unit can progress with its strong pipeline of mandated transactions.

Despite some of the challenges, Clarksons bought US-based broker Safe Harbour Tanker Chartering, which specialises in edible oils and has exposure to the bio-diesel sector, as part of its growth strategy.

The deal, which completed in July, means Clarksons now has a presence in Connecticut, which is its 11th office.

The company has continued its investment in technology, with an end-to-end digital shipping platform, evolving the way in which brokers, shipowners and charterers interact.

Mr Case also appeared in the Top 100 in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.