Joe O’Rourke has joined Victoria Shipyards as its new vice
president and general manager, the company said Feb. 19. O’Rourke is replacing
long-serving vice president and general manager Malcolm Barker, who’s retiring
this spring after more than 21 years with the company.
O’Rourke has nearly 30 years of experience in positions of
leadership and senior management throughout North America. He joins Seaspan
after most recently serving as a senior vice president with Vigor Industrial in
Oregon.
In his new role, he’ll be responsible for the company’s operation,
as well as building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with
customers and suppliers throughout the shipbuilding and ship repair industry,
according to the company.
“Joe’s diverse experience and track record of proven
leadership across diverse sectors of the North American marine transportation
industry will be an asset,” Seaspan Shipyards President Brian Carter said.
British Columbia-based Victoria Shipyards is a Seaspan company.
The retiring Barker, who began his shipbuilding career at
the age of 16, has been in the marine industry for about 40 years, including
the last 21 years with Victoria Shipyards.
“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,”
Carter said. “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.”
O’Rourke and Barker are expected work closely in the coming
weeks to ensure a thorough and seamless leadership transition process,
according to Seaspan.
