The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has announced the appointment of a new Chairman and some important changes to its Board line up.

Robert Quayle, who has been a non-executive director of Steam Packet since 1996, will take on the role of Chairman from 24 June 2008. Robert, a lawyer by profession, has served in a variety of roles in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Robert commented “As a Manxman, I feel deeply honoured to be asked to succeed Juan Kelly to chair a company with such a long and distinguished record of service to the community. I look forward to working with colleagues, Government and all stakeholders to ensure a prosperous future for the company and a high quality of service for the Island.”

Current chairman, Juan Kelly CBE, and non-executive directors Hamish Ross, Walter Gilbey and Dursley Stott OBE will all stand down from Steam Packet service later this month.

Juan Kelly became a non-executive director and chairman of the company in September 1992. Hamish Ross latterly served as Managing Director before retirement last year. Dursley Stott has served as a non-executive director since July 1984. Walter Gilbey who began his long association with the company as a non-executive director in July 1975, will continue as Chairman of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Staff Pension Fund.

Juan Kelly commented, “It has been a great privilege for me and my retiring colleagues to be involved with the Steam Packet over so many years of major change and development. In this connection we would particularly like to pay tribute to all Company management and staff who, throughout our time in office, have worked so hard and conscientiously to improve the Company’s service and facilities. I now hand over to Robert Quayle with pleasure and confidence in his dedication to the interests of the Steam Packet and the Isle of Man”.

Mark Woodward, Steam Packet CEO commented, “The Steam Packet Company will remain indebted to Juan, Hamish, Dursley and Walter, who over the years have shared their wisdom and provided invaluable support to the management team. We wish them a long and happy future.”

Kit Pemberton will join the Board as the second Island-based non-executive director. Kit is a former Naval officer with over 25 years’ industry experience at senior management and board level.  He has held non-executive director positions for a number of high profile organisations since 2002 and is a qualified Chartered Director.
 
When these new appointments have been formalised, in addition to the local executive management team, the Company will have four non-executive directors, two based on-Island and two off-Island. Robert Quayle and Kit Pemberton are joined by Simon Edsall and Dyson Bogg, both representing Macquarie Group.

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