Pareto Shipbrokers is on the hunt for more brokers as Tom Sunderland takes over the running of its Aberdeen office.
The Norwegian-owned broking shop said that despite sustained pressure from coronavirus restrictions, it has continued to strengthen its position "as a world-leading international shipbroker".
Sunderland has been promoted from broker to general manager in Aberdeen, replacing industry stalwart Fraser Ralley, who is stepping back from day-to-day operations.
Ralley will become a non-executive director within the group to ensure a seamless transition, Pareto said.
Strategic shift
He will help the company identify strategic opportunities.
Ralley founded the Aberdeen office in 2006 as part of Derrick Offshore, which later merged with Pareto.
"Fraser has been instrumental in facilitating and positioning the company based upon 47 years in the industry," Pareto said.
His knowledge of diving operations, remote operated vehicles, construction, and marine vessel operations has created a legacy that will be sustained for many years to come within the organisation, the company added.
Sunderland joined Pareto Shipbrokers in early 2012 from a rig inspection company.
Meanwhile, Pareto has also identified "a number of key positions" to fill in the first quarter.
Experienced brokers needed
The company wants experienced offshore shipbrokers to expand the business, both in Aberdeen and Guildford in England.
The company told TradeWinds: "We are looking to recruit one person for each office in the meantime."
"The expansion will be focused on a variety of market areas but also geographical."
Pareto added that although the market has been challenging, it feels it has grown its presence and secured a number of new clients, hence the growth.
"Renewables is an area we have always had significant business in, so will form part of this expansion," the company said.
The broker added that recruits will not be "constrained by specific offshore broking segments".
The company, which has been contacted for further information, is moving beyond oil and gas into renewables and telecoms.
The Pareto group is headquartered in Oslo and employs more than 1,000 people.
In September 2019, the shop added two brokers in the UK.
Alex Kershaw joined in Guildford and Laura Heatherwick in Aberdeen, which employs four other brokers in addition to Ralley and Sunderland.
