Nick Fafoutis has spent more than three decades in the maritime and logistics industry, building a career shaped by global trade, policy shifts, and constant change. Currently serving as Executive Vice President of American President Lines and as a board member of CII, Nick brings deep operational experience and a strong commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.

His path into the industry began in 1991, but his connection to maritime commerce started much earlier. Raised in San Pedro, a port town within Los Angeles, he grew up surrounded by the business. That familiarity made the transition into the industry a natural one when he began his career as a sales representative in Los Angeles after being introduced to the business through a friend.

Today, Nick leads American President Lines, a U.S. flag carrier that is part of the CMA CGM Group. What has kept Nick engaged throughout his career is the pace and complexity of the industry. He describes maritime as a business that goes far beyond transportation.

“You have the business side, the geopolitical side, and the policy side,” he said. “Every day brings some type of change. We are engaged with the world every day, every minute.”

Mentorship has played a significant role in shaping Nick as a leader. Over the course of his career, he has learned from both strong and effective managers, taking lessons from each.

“The most impactful guidance I received was around people management and leadership, learning how to motivate teams, hold people accountable, and support their development. Those lessons really forged me as a manager,” he said.

That focus on developing talent is what drew Nick to CII, where he joined the board in early 2025. He has long been familiar with the organization and was invited to join by a colleague already serving on the board. What resonates most with him is CII’s emphasis on education and outreach to younger professionals at a time when the industry needs to rebuild its talent pipeline. He noted that during periods of economic pressure, many training and development programs disappeared, creating a gap in leadership succession.

“What I like about what CII is doing is that education piece and really reaching out to younger people who are interested in the business,” Nick said.

He sees maritime as an industry that offers long term opportunity for those willing to engage deeply and continue learning. “This business is exciting,” he said. “For people who want to advance, they have the ability to work their way up and be part of the future of the industry.”

Nick often shares advice for up and coming professionals that centers on curiosity and work ethic as essential tools for long term success in the industry. He encourages young professionals to question assumptions and to broaden their understanding beyond their immediate scope.

“Never be afraid to question what you are doing and why,” he said. “Be curious about the larger logistics industry, because it all impacts you.”

He also emphasizes preparation and effort, urging the next generation to think ahead, anticipate challenges, and remain committed to continuous improvement. “Always be willing to answer the question ahead of time and always be willing to work harder than the next person, because they will be,” he said.