Parrott Installed as Foss CEO

By Mark Edward Nero

John Parrott has assumed the role of President and CEO of Foss Maritime. The company states that he took over on Jan. 1, following a four-month transition Foss announced in July 2016. Parrott joined Foss in January 2016 as Chief Operating Officer; in August 2016 he assumed the role of President from retiring President and CEO Paul Stevens.

“It’s a great honor to lead Foss and work with the talented and dedicated maritime professionals that make it such an amazing company,” Parrott said in a statement. “We have an exciting road ahead of us.”

As COO, Parrott completed a “listening tour” in early 2016, which included visiting Foss employees at work throughout the company. He visited with mariners on workboats in the Gulf of Alaska, California, Hawaii and Washington and craftspeople building and repairing ships at Foss’ Seattle and Rainier, Oregon shipyards.

Foss has stated that Parrot begins 2017 with a focus on enhancing communication and efficiency within the 127-year-old company. “We’re fortunate to have such experienced maritime professionals and leaders within our companies,” said Tim Engle, President of Foss’ parent company, Saltchuk. “I am truly excited to see John lead Foss as it continues to innovate and deliver on its promise of safe, reliable service to our customers.”

Upon retirement from Foss, Stevens transitioned to a new role at Saltchuk’s corporate home office. As Senior Vice President and Managing Director, he’s expected to support various strategic initiatives currently underway and help support Saltchuk’s growth activities.