Seaspan announced that long-serving Vice-President and General Manager of Victoria Shipyards Co. Ltd., Malcolm Barker, will be retiring effective Spring 2015, following more than 21 years with the company.
Barker began his shipbuilding career at age 16, and has been in the B.C. marine industry for nearly four decades. Formerly with Yarrows Shipyard in Esquimalt, he has spent the last 21 years with Victoria Shipyards, providing dynamic leadership and establishing an exceptional level of service for a wide range of customers and suppliers around the world.
“Malcolm has been instrumental in successfully building Victoria Shipyards to the thriving organization it is today and words cannot express the sincere gratitude we have for his leadership and accomplishments,” said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards. “Throughout Malcolm’s tenure, Victoria Shipyards has grown steadily and earned a reputation for its quality work in new construction, major ship upgrades and ship repair.”
Additionally, Seaspan announced that Joe O’Rourke has joined Victoria Shipyards as its new Vice-President and General Manager. To ensure a thorough and seamless leadership transition process, Joe will work closely with Malcolm in the coming weeks and assume full authority of the position immediately following his official retirement this Spring. Joe will provide leadership to the Victoria Shipyards team, and be responsible for its profitable, productive and safe operation, as well as building and maintaining positive, mutually beneficial relationships with key customers and suppliers throughout the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. “I am thrilled to welcome Joe to the Seaspan Shipyards family and our team of experts in Victoria,” said Brian. “Joe’s diverse experience and track record of proven leadership across diverse sectors of the North American marine transportation industry will be an asset for the Company for many years to come.” Joe has nearly 30 years of experience in positions of leadership and senior management throughout North America. He joins Seaspan after most recently serving as Senior Vice-President, Business Development at Vigor Industrial LLC in Oregon.