James Hughes-Hallett take over from the retiring Bob Benton on 1 January 2015.
Hughes-Hallett has been working for the Swire group since 1976. His shipping background is in contrast to Benton's finance and investment experience.
The new man is chairman of John Swire & Sons and a non-executive director of Cathay Pacific Airways, Swire Pacific and Swire Properties. He has also been manager and chairman of Swire shipping arm China Navigation Co and chairman of Swire Pacific Offshore.
Other current roles include a directorship at Steamships Trading and a chairmanship at United States Cold Storage.
Andi Case, Clarksons’ chief executive, said: “To have someone with James’ considerable expertise and experience as chairman is testament to the position we now hold in global trading markets.
"James Hughes-Hallett broad experience across a wide range of businesses from shipping to offshore as well as banking will be invaluable as we continue to build our business across a broader range of sectors.”