Simeon P. Palios - Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

Simeon P. Palios has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman since February 21, 2005 and as a Director since March 9, 1999. Prior to November 12, 2004, Mr. Palios was the Managing Director of Diana Shipping Agencies S.A. and performed on our behalf the services he now performs as Chief Executive Officer. Since 1972, when he formed Diana Shipping Agencies S.A., Mr. Palios has had the overall responsibility of our activities. Mr. Palios has 40 years of experience in the shipping industry and expertise in technical and operational issues. He has served as an ensign in the Greek Navy for the inspection of passenger boats on behalf of the Ministry of Merchant Marine and is qualified as a naval architect and engineer. Mr. Palios is a member of various leading classification societies worldwide and he is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Kingdom Freight Demurrage and Defence Association Limited. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering from Durham University.

Email: spalios@dianashippinginc.com