OSG Appoints New President and CEO

OSG Independence pushes ahead on Delaware Bay, image (c) Rob Almeida/gCaptain

New York-based tanker group Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT:OSGB) announced Thursday the appointment of Captain Ian T. Blackley as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, as the company tries to regain some footing after emerging from bankruptcy in August.

“Captain Blackley is a veteran of the shipping industry and has been instrumental in the success of OSG during his 24-year tenure at the Company,” said Doug Wheat, Chairman of the Board of OSG. “He is a skilled operational, technical and financial manager, and the Board is confident that Captain Blackley will continue to execute on the Company’s strategic vision, provide the highest quality service to our customers and deliver value for our shareholders.”

Wheat added that the Board searched and interviewed extensively for the CEO position, but determined that Captain Blackley had the best overall experience and knowledge of the shipping business and OSG to lead the Company.

“I am honored and privileged to serve as President and CEO of OSG at this time in our history, and I am excited to build upon the Company’s new momentum and success,” Captain Blackley said. “I look forward to our next phase of growth, as a leading Company in the maritime industry, and to our full return to the capital markets as a publicly traded company.”

In August 2014, OSG announced its search for a new chief executive officer to lead the company’s growth efforts after emergence from its Chapter 11 reorganization. Henry Flinter, Head of the U.S. Flag business, and Lois Zabrocky, Head of the International Flag business, will continue as heads of their respective business units and will report directly to Captain Blackley.

OSG’s previous President and CEO, Morten Arntzen, announced his resignation in August 2013, less than a year after the company filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in November 2012.

Prior to his new role, Captain Blackley was Senior Vice President and Head of International Shipping Operations, responsible for the operational management of OSG’s International Flag fleet as well as oversight of technical management and training operations. Captain Blackley was also Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of OSG Ship Management (UK) Ltd.

Since joining the Company in 1991, Captain Blackley has held numerous operational and financial positions including Assistant Treasurer and Vice President, Treasury. His treasury responsibilities included managing OSG’s global banking relationships, the negotiation and management of debt facilities and other investment projects. He is a board member of both OSG’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and FSO joint ventures. In 2014, Captain Blackley led the Company’s outsourcing of technical management of the entire International Fleet.

Before joining OSG, Captain Blackley was with Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, serving as Captain from 1987 to 1991. He holds a diploma in Nautical Science from Glasgow College of Nautical Studies and holds a Master Mariner Class 1 license.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up