Brian Ladin grew up in Houston, Texas and attended Tulane University. Brian is a Chartered Financial Analyst and is currently the CEO of Delos Shipping. Brian started Delos Shipping in 2009, and grew the business from no ships to 58 vessels from 2010-2016. In 2016, Delos sold most of its assets, and re-focused the business on long term lease opportunities.
1. Why did you decide to create your own business?
I started my own business because I saw a gap in the shipping industry for asset leasing opportunities. I thought I could set up a platform to own and lease marine assets and generate attractive rates of return on equity for low risk-adjusted returns.
2. What do you love most about the industry you are in?
The shipping industry is a dynamic industry that touches many different end markets. Over 90% of world trade travels by ship, and the shipping industry is a litmus test for the global economy. The shipping industry is a dynamic space with many different opportunities to generate attractive returns.
3. What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by helping my clients with off balance sheet financing or financing for the disposition of assets. Delos’ role is to help its clients optimize their capital structures so that they can concentrate capital on their core competencies.
4. How has your company grown from its early days to now?
Delos grew from no vessels to 58 vessels in its fleet during its first six years of operations. In 2016, Delos sold most of its assets and is now focused on sale leaseback opportunities.
5. What trends in your industry excite you?
The most exciting trend in shipping is that many companies who use vessels are understanding that they do not need to own the vessel, and using a sale leaseback of the asset to improve their balance sheet can be a very attractive transaction to generate free cash to deploy into other areas of their business that may result in a better return on investment.
6. Where do you see you and your company in 5 years?
In the next 5 years, Delos will have a portfolio of sale leasebacks diversified by many different vessel types, such as tankers, dry bulk, cruise and containers.