Barrow group James Fisher unveils its next chief executive

James Fisher Group

James Fisher, the Barrow-based marine services company, has unveiled its new chief executive, following current incumbent Eoghan O’Lionaird’s announcement this Monday (June 13) that he is stepping down.

The Cumbrian business announced that Jean Vernet will take up the CEO position on September 5, 2022, at which point Mr O’Lionaird will step down from his position on the board and his role as chief executive.

He will, however, remain employed by the group until June 13, 2023, to ensure a smooth and effective transition of responsibility.

Jean Vernet has considerable experience working in the offshore energy sector in both the UK and around the world.

Most recently, he was chief executive of Smiths Group’s largest division, John Crane, where he drove a highly effective growth strategy in a business that operates in more than 50 countries.

He has an engineering degree and spent a decade in various financial and market facing roles with energy services business, Schlumberger.

His experience also includes five years as chief financial officer of Expro, the offshore energy services provider, during which he played a key role in its successful turnaround.

James Fisher chair, Angus Cockburn, said: “Jean is an internationally experienced business leader with extensive energy sector knowledge.

“He is ideally suited to turning the business around and leading it through the current challenging backdrop and then to position the group to capture the medium to long term growth opportunities available.”

On Monday Mr Cockburn, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Eoghan for his service and considerable contribution to James Fisher.”

Eoghan O’Lionaird said: “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of James Fisher and to help steer the company through what was one of the most challenging periods in our history.

“I am proud of what we have achieved on setting course to become a purpose-led, values driven company, committed to serving all our stakeholders, and I’m confident that the group’s best days lie ahead.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close