Ardmore Shipping has outlined more management changes as it gears up for a new leader.
When founder and chief executive Anthony Gurnee retires in September, Gernot Ruppelt will become CEO and Bart Kelleher president.
“As the company transitions to new leadership, it is well positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities and drive sustained growth in the years to come,” the New York-listed tanker owner said.
Ruppelt, the incoming chief executive, said the changes reflect Ardmore’s commitment to maintaining its position as “a leading player” in the tanker space.
“We are confident that the strength and experience of our commercial team will continue to drive Ardmore’s success and continued progression,” he said.
Succeeding Ruppelt, upon his advancement to CEO, will be Robert Gaina as senior vice president of commercial.
Ardmore’s chartering heads and director of commercial operations will now report to Gaina, “ensuring strong integration between these vital business functions”, the Ireland-based company said.
Gaina joined Ardmore onshore in 2015 after serving as master on its vessels.
“Throughout his extensive seagoing career, he has sailed on oil and chemical tankers chartered by BP, Cargill and Vitol,” said Ardmore.
After coming ashore, he served in multiple commercial roles and was promoted to director of commercial operations in 2017.
Succeeding Gaina in that role will be Jordan Hunt, who is Ardmore’s global commercial operations manager.
Hunt will be responsible for management of the commercial operations team and for day-to-day fleet performance. He joined Ardmore from Thome Ship Management in 2016.
“Jordan started his maritime career at sea in 2010, spending the majority of this time on chemical and product tankers,” the company said.
Ardmore has also made additional hires, including Gregory Grieco, who joined its chartering team in July and will be based in Houston, Texas.
He was an operations manager for Torm and AET, as well as working with Oceaneering to reduce costs and optimise performance for fleets.
Grieco was also a New York police officer for a short period before attending the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.
Emediong Alexandra Udongwo, who has joined Ardmore’s commercial operations team in Cork, has more than six years’ experience in claims and demurrage with Shell and ExxonMobil.
“These key promotions and new hires will keep organisational focus centred on enhancing operational efficiency, service delivery and driving continued performance innovation,” the company concluded.
