Austal, the Australian fast ferry specialist, has announced that chief operating officer Patrick Gregg is to take over as chief executive early next year.
He will take over from present incumbent David Singleton effective on 1 January 2021 following a six month transition process.
“[Patrick] Gregg possesses significant project management, manufacturing and business experience acquired within the high technology nuclear defence, rail and naval shipbuilding industries,” Austal chairman John Rothwell said.
Gregg was appointed as COO in 2017 with a view to him being “a natural successor for the CEO role in the future”.
Since his appointment, Austal has set up newbuilding operations in Vietnam and expanded its operations in the Philippines.
“Our shipyards in Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam and China are working incredibly efficiently while producing quality defence and commercial vessels,” Rothwell said.
“That is a reflection of Paddy’s drive, commitment and ability to engender similar characteristics from his employees.
“Those skills and personal qualities made him an ideal choice to take over from David at the end of the year.
“Paddy already possesses a good working relationship with Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle and I have no doubt that will continue.”
After five years overseeing “considerable business growth”, Singleton said the time was right to “step aside and look for new opportunities”.
The fast ferry specialist employs 6,000 people across its network of seven shipyards in Australia, the US, the Philippines, China and Vietnam.
In the Philippines, it has ferries under construction for European owners Fjordline and Mols Linien. It is also building a trimaran for Fred Olsen.
At its Vung Tau complex in Vietnam, Austal is currently completing a ropax ferry for Trinidad and Tobago.
