Former Euronav chief executive Paddy Rodgers has made a return to shipping, taking a seat on the V.Group board.

The experienced tanker man will have a non-executive role at the UK shipmanager.

Rodgers led Euronav for almost 20 years, before taking the market by surprise in February 2019 by resigning.

By last June, he had taken a job as the director of London's Royal Museums Greenwich, which comprise the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark sailing ship, the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House art gallery.

V.Group said Rodgers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.

It noted that under his leadership, Euronav grew from a family company of 17 ships to a leading tanker company with a fleet of 73 vessels.

V.Group chairman John Pattullo added: "His global experience in driving significant business growth, his knowledge of the tanker market and his expertise in building long-term partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow V.Group."

Passionate about the industry

Rodgers said he is joining V.Group at a challenging, exciting time.

"I am deeply passionate about this industry, the importance of the role of seafarers and sustainability, and I look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge to benefit V.Group and its customers," he said.

The Royal Museums Greenwich are based in the south-eastern London suburb where Rodgers lives.

He told TradeWinds last year he had no experience in the museum or gallery sector, having trained as a lawyer, but selection for the public-sector role focused on his skills such as adaptability and leadership.