London-based shipbroker Braemar ACM Shipbroking has brought in an experienced executive from Idan Ofer's Eastern Pacific Shipping to boost its Asian operations.
Australian national Vaughan English started as managing director in Singapore on Friday.
"Vaughan will overlook the Australasian region and report into me. He also will be a member of the operating main board in London, helping us to connect the various offices," said James Gundy, chief executive Braemar ACM.
"For those that don't know him, Vaughan is a larger than life character starting his career in Melbourne with Clarksons in their tanker department, before moving onto Singapore where he has worked for 20 years."
English left Clarksons for a period as chartering manager with Teekay, before spending the last 14 years at Eastern Pacific.
He started in tankers and then managed the dry cargo, car carrier and boxship operations there, including dual-fuel projects.
"This wealth of experience and length of time living in Singapore enables him to have a huge network within the industry which will undoubtedly help us build on from what is already a strong and huge part of our business," Gundy said.
English will be working alongside the other managers in the region — including Frank Wu, the head of tankers in Singapore; Tiago Thomas, head of dry cargo; James Sherrard, head of offshore; and James Huw Smith, head of LNG.
In common with many companies, London-listed parent Braemar Shipping Services has scrapped its dividend payment for the year to 29 February to maintain "robust" cash levels during the coronavirus pandemic.
The shipbroker told TradeWinds ealier this year it was also planning an expansion in Europe, with new offices opening in Athens and Geneva.
The Athens office will focus on sale and purchase and have with six staff, including two from Braemar Naves.
The Swiss base will focus on dry bulk shipbroking, with two to three employees.
Braemar plans to grow both offices in the future.
