James Fisher and Sons Regulatory News (FSJ)

30 Jun 2005 11:00

Fisher (James) & Sons PLC30 June 2005 For Release 11.00am 30 June 2005 JAMES FISHER & SONS PLC SENIOR MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR JAMES FISHER TANKSHIPS LTD James Fisher & Sons plc ("James Fisher"), the leading marine services provider,announces the appointment of Paul Rodwell as Managing Director of James FisherTankships Ltd, the Group's tankships division which provides a marine service tothe oil majors around the UK/Irish coasts, operating a fleet totalling 16 ships.James Fisher Tankships is the market leader in the UK coastal clean petroleumproducts market, carrying over 6 million tonnes per year under contracts withthe major oil companies. Mr Rodwell joins James Fisher Tankships from ANA Aviation Services Ltd ("ANA"),a leading airline management company at Heathrow, which develops and deliversglobal management solutions to business partners in over 40 countries. MrRodwell started his career at sea and then worked in container shipping beforemoving into air cargo and airline services, where he held directorships with BOCCargo Services and Iberia. Mr Rodwell succeeds Nick Henry as Managing Director of James Fisher Tankships,who ran the division before being appointed Group Chief Executive. Commenting, Tim Harris, Chairman of James Fisher, said: "Paul's appointment strengthens our management team. He has over 25 yearsexperience in strategic planning, development, sales, budgeting and managementof profitable transport and logistics companies, with proven commercial andmanagement ability with people and IT solutions, and expertise in developingcustomer relationships. He joins James Fisher Tankships with a fleetmodernisation programme already well under way." Nick Henry, Group Chief Executive, James Fisher, said: "Paul is joining during a significant period of modernisation for the businessas we develop our fleet. By the end of 2005, all our smaller size tankers willbe under 10 years old. James Fisher Tankships forms a key part of James Fisher'smarine services business and the addition of modern vessels is the latest stepin taking forward our declared strategy, demonstrating our commitment toproviding quality tonnage for our customers that meets the highest environmentalstandards." ENDS For further information, please contact: James Fisher & Sons PlcTim Harris Tel: (020) 7338 5808Nick Henry Tel: (020) 7338 5808 Binns & Co PR Ltd Peter Binns Tel: (020) 7786 9600Matt Ridsdale Tel: (020) 7153 1484 James Fisher Tankships increased its operating profits by 13% to £6.9m (2003:£6.1m) for the year ended 31 December 2004 on turnover of £45.15m (2003:£46.57m). It traded from 4 less vessels in 2003, and is not overly influenced byglobal cycles. The division took delivery of two 12,800 dwt Tankers in December2004 and February 2005 and two 5,000 dwt vessels are scheduled for delivery inlate 2005 and mid 2006. The recent contracts include options to acquire afurther two tankers. Paul Rodwell's professional qualifications include achieving a Second Officer'sForeign Going Certificate, and an OND Nautical Science at Plymouth PolytechnicSchool of Maritime Studies. Professional courses include Henley ManagementCollege and Ashridge Management College. Professional bodies include a Chair ofBIFA Air Cargo Services Policy Group and a Fellow of the Association of FreightProfessionals. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange