Theshipowner directors of Gard have appointed Rolf Thore Roppestad (45) as thenext chief executive confirming a report in the last edition of TradeWinds.
Roppestadcurrently one of Gard’s joint underwriting chiefs will take on the top rolefrom the start of 2014.
Hetakes on the management of the biggest of the protection and indemnity clubs whichis also a major hull and offshore energy underwriter after a long run ofcorporate success.
So thebig task facing Roppestad is to keep Gard on course and build on this record.
BjornarAndresen who along with Roppestad ran the Gard underwriting operation is to relinquishmanagement of Gard’s London offshoot and return to the Arendal headquarters tobe head of underwriting.
“Weare very pleased to have concluded our efforts to find a new CEO and aredelighted with Rolf Thore’s appointment. After an extensive search process, itwas clear that his personality, experience and successful track record at Gardprovide the clear benefit of continuity while, at the same time, offering freshenergy and vision to develop the group further.” Said Gard chairman, BengtHermelin of Samco Shipholding of Singapore.
“Leadinga business of the quality and scope of Gard is an exciting and challengingprospect,” said Roppestad.
“Thegroup has undergone an amazing transformation since I joined in 1997, but theworld in which we are operating continues to evolve so we must always belooking at what we can do to improve the service that we offer to our membersand clients,” he added.
