Shipbroking group Clarksons has reshuffled its board of directors just days after it reported record results and upped its dividend for the 20th consecutive year.

Peter Backhouse will step down as senior independent director from 11 September after nine years as an independent non-executive director of the London-listed firm.

Backhouse, who has 40 years of experience in the international energy business and was previously chairman and chief executive of BP Europe, will remain on the board until the end of this year, Clarksons said in a release on Friday.

Sue Harris, who has been an independent non-executive director since October 2020, will replace Backhouse as a senior independent director.

Clarksons has been hit in recent years by repeated arguments between the board and some shareholders over corporate governance, particularly the pay of its top executives Andi Case and Jeff Woyda.

Harris has been chair of Clarksons’ audit and risk committee since November 2020. She has held a number of senior executive positions in FTSE 100 businesses, including as a divisional finance director and group audit director for Lloyds Banking Group.

Laurence Hollingworth, Clarksons’ chair, said: “We would like to thank Peter Backhouse for his many years of service to Clarksons as senior independent director and look forward to receiving his valuable contribution and commitment to the board until the end of the year.

“The board is delighted that Sue Harris has agreed to be appointed as senior independent director as she brings with her a great deal of experience and valuable insight.”

Dr Tim Miller will resign from the nomination committee and will be appointed to the audit and risk committee.

He will be replaced on the nomination committee by Birger Nergaard.

Miller is also stepping down from his role as employee engagement director and will be succeeded by Heike Truol.

Clarksons recorded a record profit on Monday for the first half of 2022, which was fuelled by blockbuster results from its broking division.

Chief executive Andi Case told TradeWinds on Monday that his group is looking to diversify by buying up other businesses and with organic growth.