PERSONNEL

Louis B. Kravitz, EKKO's founder and chairman, has over 40 years experience in all aspects of dry cargo chartering, initially serving with Neris Shipping (1970-1972) and Peraco Chartering (1972-1976). Two years in Denmark with Bidsted, Copenhagen (1977-1978) saw him establish what has become the most successful bulk carrier chartering office in Denmark. Kravitz returned to New York where he spent two years with VJC Chartering prior to founding EKKO. He normally works from his office, Novo Verde Corp., in Westcliffe, Colorado, and remains active in the shipping business. noverde@paragonline.com

Karen Turner Kurtul, president and chartering manager of EKKO Chartering, LLC., started in shipping in 1980 in the operations department of Grundstad Maritime Corp., Boca Raton, Florida, owners of six product tankers trading world wide, and of cruise vessels operating within the Caribbean. In 1985, she became the company's vice president of operations and during that time also became involved in chartering activities. Ms. Turner joined EKKO in 1987 as operations manager and in 1988 moved to chartering. In 1992, Ms. Turner became a partner in the company. chartering@ekkony.com

Jeffery Hill, a partner in Ekko Chartering LLC, has had over 30 years of experience in all sectors of dry cargo chartering. In 1979, a prominent ship owning family enlisted Jeff to the industry and Jeff has since focused on representing ship owners and operator's vessels. Jeff was a house broker for 13 years with Trans-Ocean Steamship Agency in New York. The company managed a fleet of 12 vessels from handy-size to panamax. Jeff has been active in chartering, as well as operations, cargo brokerage, competitive ship brokerage and direct owner representation. Jeff joined Ekko in 1998 and he became a partner in 2003. He currently represents exclusive or direct ship owners worldwide in sizes up to and including panamax. chartering@ekkony.com