Bibby Line Group unveils new chief executive

John Cresswell

Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group has appointed John Cresswell as chief executive officer to lead the group through its next phase of growth and investment.

John will join Bibby Line Group on May 1, and will take over from Sir Michael Bibby during the summer, following a period of transition.

The family-owned shipping group said he has a track record of driving growth at each business he has led.

Most recently, as chief executive of UK communications infrastructure company Arqiva, he led the business to achieve record revenue and profits under his four-year tenure to 2015.

Prior to that, he worked for ITV for two decades, including serving as chief financial officer, chief operating officer and Interim CEO of ITV plc.

He has also held a number of non-executive positions, including at Liverpool Football Club from 2003 to 2007, and he is currently a non-executive director of Capita plc.

Paul Drechsler, chairman of Bibby Line Group said: “I am delighted that John Cresswell will join Bibby Line Group as CEO.

“John brings diversity of experience, and a wealth of knowledge and skills to lead the group through its next stage of growth and profitability, further enhancing our BLG brand and values.

“I would also like to express my thanks and appreciation to Sir Michael for his 26 years at BLG.

“His leadership through a period of significant growth and also significant change for the group has been invaluable. I am pleased that Michael will remain on the board as a Bibby Family non-executive director so that we benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Mr Cresswell added: “It’s a privilege to be asked to lead the Bibby Line Group. The heritage of the family business, its values and the diversity of its portfolio present excellent opportunities. I am very much looking forward to working with the whole team at BLG as we build and grow the business together.”

He qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG, he holds a BSc in Economics and Politics, and attended the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

Sir Michael Bibby, 54, announced he was stepping down from his role with the £1bn group on February 9, this year.

He is the sixth generation of his family to run Bibby Line Group, which can trace its history back 211 years.

Sir Michael is also heavily involved with the Princes Trust and with Mersey Maritime, which represents the local shipping industry.

Bibby Line Group also includes Bibby Financial Services, logistics business Bibby Distribution, and the Costcutter store chain.

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