Kirby Corp has added a shipping veteran to its board of directors.

Former BP Shipping chief executive Susan Dio will become a director at the Houston tank barge operator effective Tuesday.

“I am honoured to serve on the board as Kirby continues to evolve its strategic priorities, build on its momentum in its marine transportation business and progress its electrification strategy in distribution and services,” Dio said in a statement.

“I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team to continue driving shareholder value.”

Dio was the head of BP Shipping from 2015 until 2018, when she departed to become chairman and president of BP America. She held that role until she retired in 2020.

She also boasts director roles with Britannia P&I and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum, where she was also vice chair.

Dio also sat on the supervisory board for the UK Chamber of Shipping, was an advisory committee member on the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation and was a member’s representative there for Alaska Tanker Co.

In addition to her shipping roles, Dio had also worked in BP’s chemical and refining segments.

“We are delighted to welcome Susan to the board and look forward to benefiting from her strategic acumen and deep industry experience,” said Kirby chairman Joseph H Pyne.

“Susan’s appointment reflects our commitment to ongoing board refreshment and focus on adding diverse perspectives and experiences.”

Dio’s appointment will see Kirby’s board of directors swell to 10 members, nine of which are independent.

She joins the company following its decision to hold onto its distribution and services business, which represents roughly 40% of revenue.

The company had taken about a year evaluating potential exits for the segment, allowing it to focus on its marine transportation business, including both inland and coastal tugs and barges.

It said it intends to focus its distribution and services segment on electric power generation equipment.