Mr. Ioannis G. Zafirakis serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Diana Shipping Inc. and has been its Secretary since February 21, 2005. Mr. Zafirakis has been the Chief Operating Officer of Diana Containerships Inc. since January 13, 2010 and its Executive Vice President. He serves as Secretary of Diana Containerships Inc. since February 21, 2005. Mr. Zafirakis served as an Executive Vice President of Diana Shipping Inc., since February 14, 2008. He served as Vice President of Diana Shipping Inc. since February 21, 2005. He serves as an employee of DSS. Prior to February 21, 2005, Mr. Zafirakis was employed by Diana Shipping Agencies SA and performed on behalf the services he now performs as Vice President. He joined Diana Shipping Agencies SA in 1997 where, he held a number of positions in its finance and accounting department. He has been a Director of Diana Containerships Inc. and Diana Shipping Inc. since March 09, 1999. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from Cass Business School, City of London and a Master's degree in International Transport from the University of Wales in Cardiff.