Abs Europe Ltd News

Arthur E. Imperatore, Founder and President of New York Waterways; Captain Donald Marcus, International President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Christopher Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping, were recipients of the maritime industry's most prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards presented at the 47th annual United Seamen's Service gala industry dinner and dance October 28, 2016. The event was held at the at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, New York City. Recognition was also given to American seafarers for specific acts of bravery and heroism while at sea. (See separate news release).

ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS, addressed State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College graduates, their families, faculty members and guests at the college’s commencement ceremony on May 6. “I am honored to share real leadership lessons that these bright graduates may apply beyond the boardroom,” Wiernicki said at the ceremony, which saw approximately 300 students graduate inside Fort Schuyler. “Success in life and leadership go hand-in-hand.

ABS announced a change in leadership with the election of Christopher J. Wiernicki, currently President and Chief Executive Officer of ABS, to the position of Chairman of ABS. This decision was made by the ABS Board of Directors, who voted at their April meeting to transfer the additional duties of Chairman to Wiernicki. With the expanding scope of classification in recent years, it is clear that the role of class will continue to change at an accelerated pace, and Wiernicki is optimistic about the organization's ability to meet this challenge.

ABS President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher J. Wiernicki will assume the duties of Chief Executive Officer of ABS following the classification society’s annual meeting in April 2011. Robert D. Somerville, currently Chairman and CEO of ABS, will relinquish the CEO responsibilities while remaining Chairman of both ABS and the ABS Group of Companies. Wiernicki, a member of the Board of Directors of ABS, has been working closely with Somerville for the last four years in his position as President and COO. The role of CEO will be in addition to Wiernicki’s existing responsibilities.

Effective 1 July, ABS will introduce new senior management in its Europe and Pacific divisions. At that time, William J. Sember, currently President and COO, ABS Europe Ltd, based in London, will return to Houston as Vice President Global Marketing, responsible for further developing client relations in all sectors. Todd Grove, President and COO of the Pacific Division of ABS will move from Singapore to London, assuming the position of President and COO, ABS Europe Ltd. “Europe remains the center of our shipowner client activity,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville. Grove has previously served as President of the Americas Division of ABS and, prior to that, as Vice President Western Europe, based in London.

Christopher J. Wiernicki was elected to the ABS Board of Directors by the ABS Council following the Annual Meeting of the members of the international classification society. Wiernicki was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of ABS on January 1. He is also an elected Corporate Officer of the society. Prior to his current appointment, Wiernicki served as President and COO of ABS Europe Ltd, the Division of the society responsible for activities throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Wiernicki has also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for ABS and as President and Chief Operating Officer of ABSG Consulting Inc., an affiliate of ABS and the principal operating subsidiary of ABS Group of Companies, Inc.