Maritime Leadership News

Cavotec has appointed Erik Lyrvall, Head of Strategy and M&A, as a member of Cavotec’s Group Management. Erik joined Cavotec in autumn 2024 when he took up the position of Head of Strategy.In his role, Erik is responsible for driving the group’s strategic direction, leading M&A activities, evaluating partnerships and go-to-market strategies, and recommend initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.Before joining Cavotec, Erik served as Head of the Transformation Office at Intrum 2021–2024, where he led the group’s strategy execution and major strategic projects.

Crowley announced that Jen Leonard has been appointed chief people officer, effective January 1, 2026, leading its enterprise-wide activities to sustain an elite culture and high performance at the maritime, logistics and energy solutions company.As vice president of Crowley’s Talent and Culture group since 2023, Leonard has been instrumental in advancing the company’s human capital strategy and programs. These include talent strategies for employee performance, experience and…

The GTT Group announced the appointment of François Michel as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026, thereby restoring a dissociated governance structure.This decision was taken unanimously by the Board of Directors of the Group at its meeting held on December 13, 2025.Following a demanding selection process, the Board of Directors selected François Michel for his managerial experience, his strong command of the technological challenges specific to GTT and its industry…

Sabine Surveyors, Ltd. has announced organizational changes aimed at strengthening its position in the marine services industry. Effective December 1, 2025, our parent company has transitioned from Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp. to Sabine Marine Group.In addition, Gulf Copper Government Services has officially become Sabine Ship Repair, Inc., aligning our operations under a unified brand that reflects our core values and strategic vision.As part of this transition, we are proud…

Crowley announced that Chief Operating Officer Ray Fitzgerald will be succeeded by Megan Davidson, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The planned succession is designed to seamlessly advance operational excellence and the company's growth trajectory.Fitzgerald has served as COO for more than five years, driving the evolution of Crowley's operational structure and advancing innovation and customer-focused solutions. These efforts have positioned the company for growth in energy, maritime, and inland transportation sectors.

ABS Chairman and Chief Executive Christopher J. Wiernicki was named International Personality of the Year at the Lloyds List Greek Shipping Awards, the second time he has received the honor.The accolade followed ABS being named Number One Classification Society by Gross Tonnage in the annual Lloyds List ranking of the Top 10 Class Organizations.“Over the years, I have felt a profound bond with Greece and its maritime community," said Wiernicki, who this week was also placed 72 in the Lloyds List ranking of the Top 100 People in Shipping.

Panama is participating this week in the 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the most significant forum within the global maritime system and the specialized governing body of the United Nations, from November 24 to 28. This setting defines the policies, standards, and priorities that will shape the international maritime agenda in the years ahead.The Panamanian delegation is composed of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IMO…

Dan-Bunkering has announced the appointment of Christian Vandvig Finnerup as Managing Director for Dan-Bunkering USA, effective November 1, 2025.Christian Vandvig Finnerup transitions to the U.S. from Singapore, where he served as Commercial Director at Dan-Bunkering APAC, leading regional growth and strengthening Dan-Bunkering’s offshore and commercial portfolios. Prior to his time in Asia, Christian Vandvig Finnerup headed Offshore Wind, Europe, where he helped shape Dan-Bunkering’s approach to partnership-driven energy solutions.Throughout his career…

Dr. Rosalie Balkin, who was nominated by the Government of Australia, was honoured at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony, held in London on November 24, 2025. The ceremony followed the first day of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, taking place from November 24 to December 3, 2025. Handing Dr. Balkin the silver dolphin trophy, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended her five-decade career, in which she has broken new ground, including as the first woman to lead the CMI - the world’s oldest organization focused on unifying international maritime law - since it was founded in 1897.

France-based BIO-UV Group, a specialist in UV-, ozone-, salt-electrolysis- and AOP-based water-treatment technologies, has announced three senior appointments to support and strengthen the company’s expansion across new and existing markets.The changes include the appointment of Jean-Philippe Picard de Muller as Deputy General Manager of BIO-UV Group, the promotion of Steven Brady to Managing Director of Triogen in the United Kingdom, and the arrival of Patrice Garrigues as European Sales Director for the Group’s pool division.

The Royal Van Beest Group announced that it has acquired Enduro Softslings. Established ten years ago in The Netherlands, Enduro Softslings has secured a leading position in the lifting industry through its manufacturing capabilities, custom-made soft slings, and customer support. As part of the Royal Van Beest Group, the leader behind brands like Green Pin and Irizar Forge, Enduro Softslings will gain access to resources and expertise to further fuel its growth.The partnership…

The United Seamen’s Service recognized Crowley mariners with honors at the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, the AOTOS awards spotlight outstanding maritime achievement and pay tribute to American seafarers whose courageous actions and commitment to safety have made a profound impact on the industry and the welfare of those at sea.The crew of the tanker Stena Immaculate was presented with the AOTOS Special…

The International Propeller Club announced its newly elected officers for 2025–2027. Members elected Costis J. Frangoulis, President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, Greece, as International President at the Club’s 98th Annual International Convention in Lyon, France—a milestone that also marks the first non-American to hold the presidency in the organization’s 98-year history.2025–2027 International OfficersInternational President: Costis J. Frangoulis (Propeller Club of Piraeus…

The Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) announced that its most prestigious honor, The Commodore Award, has been renamed The Jim Lawrence Commodore Award, effective immediately. This change commemorates the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of Jim Lawrence, who passed away on June 1, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the maritime industry.Jim Lawrence's vision and dedication fundamentally shaped the modern maritime industry landscape.

At the Annual General Meeting of the International Group of P&I Clubs in London on November 11, 2025, Rolf Thore Roppestad was appointed as the new Chair of the International Group of P&I Clubs.Roppestad succeeds Andrew Cutler, who has served since November 2022. The Group thanked Cutler for his contributions and the positive impacts during his time as Chair. Under Cutler’s leadership the Group has faced a number of issues, from growing geopolitical concerns, wars and an expanding sanctions regime, to the merger of two of its member Clubs.

Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors. These new director appointments, approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sorrento on October 6, reflect the diversity and global reach of the ferry industry. The newly appointed directors, each approved for a four-year term, are:Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, and Interferry’s first African Director…

Louise Tricoire has been appointed Vice-President of the Lubmarine Business Unit of TotalEnergies, bringing a wealth of maritime industry knowledge and expertise to the role.Louise joins Lubmarine following her leadership of TotalEnergies’ global aviation and marine fuel division, where she played a key role in advancing both sectors’ decarbonization goals. Her work focused on developing sustainable aviation and low-carbon marine fuels, while also exploring the longer-term H2-based solutions.Prior to this…

Accelleron North America has welcomed Dave Otto as Territory Sales Manager. Dave will lead service sales activities across the eastern United States and the Caribbean, in the power production, cruise, shipping, and gas compression markets, to strengthen customer relationships and support their operational needs.Dave brings more than 30 years of industrial sales experience to Accelleron. For the past 10 years, he worked for Toromont CAT as a territory sales representative managing a portfolio of more than 400 engines.

ABS has appointed David Wechsler, a founding partner of the firm that became Hitachi Consulting, as the new Chief Executive Officer for ABS Group.Wechsler has a  35-year career in management consulting leadership positions across manufacturing, consumer products, sustainable energy, automotive, technology and services industries. He has grown multiple consulting practices, demonstrating expertise in leading complex operations and driving growth.Wechsler joins at an exciting time for ABS Group…

Volvo Penta North America has named Brock Gavin as Vice President of Marine Sales and Service and Jens Bering as Head of Product and Solutions Management for its marine division. In their new roles, Gavin and Bering will be instrumental in advancing Volvo Penta’s marine strategy and driving continued growth across commercial and leisure markets in North America.As Vice President, Marine Sales and Service, Gavin will lead Volvo Penta’s overall marine strategy in North America.

Stolt-Nielsen Limited announced that Jens F. Grüner-Hegge, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has decided to retire from his executive position in the second half of 2026. Alex Ng, current Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy, has been appointed by the Board of Stolt-Nielsen Limited (the Board) as CFO Designate, and will take over the role of CFO as of August 1, 2026. Mr Grüner-Hegge will remain with the Company until November 30, 2026, to support the transition.The…

Torvald Klaveness has announced that Fabian Flaaten has joined as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 28, 2025. Flaaten will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ernst Meyer and be part of the Group’s Executive Committee and Holding Management Team. As CFO, Flaaten will play a role in enabling value creation, financial discipline, and long-term strategic direction for the Klaveness Group. He brings more than 20 years of international finance and leadership experience.

TADEK Ocean Engineering, a UK offshore engineering consultancy delivering front-end advisory, through-project delivery solutions and naval architecture analysis, announced its new look leadership team and strategic new senior appointments as the company prepares for further growth.TADEK integrates advanced hydrodynamic analysis and design with practical project execution, delivering end-to-end solutions from concept and detailed design through to offshore installation and decommissioning in open sea.