ABS says it made three senior management appointments as part of the organization’s drive to provide more digital services to shipowners.
ABS chief executive Christopher Wiernicki says the new hires will lead efforts in data analytics, cybersecurity, mobile technologies and remote inspection at the classification society as the industry makes investments in those areas.
“As our markets are increasingly shaped by digital technology, ABS is setting the pace in digital innovation,” Wiernicki said. “As part of our digital class journey, our entire organization is focused on digital developments and opportunities."
Howard Fireman will be leading the effort as chief digital officer after previously serving as ABS' chief technology officer.
Fireman will also lead efforts at increasing usage of ABS Nautical Systems products and solutions. Fireman holds degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Joseph Gollapalli will join ABS as vice president of digital technology. Gollapalli was the chief information officer for the drilling division of GE Oil & Gas.
Gollapalli will head efforts at digital solutions for marine and offshore inspection processes. Gollapalli holds a degree from Georgetown College and MBA from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
“Combining Howard’s industry-recognized experience in shipboard systems and operations technology and Joe’s digital technology leadership allows us to command a significant transformation for maritime classification globally,” said Wiernicki.
ABS also hired Ryan Moody as vice president of strategic development. Moody was senior strategist for industrial cyber security at Siemens. Moody holds a degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
“Ryan is a great addition to ABS and infuses substantial leadership into our high quality senior management team,” added Wiernicki.
