Ferguson Marine appoints new CEO

Ferguson Marine has appointed David Tydeman as its new chief executive officer, effective from 1st February 2022. Tydeman’s appointment at the Port Glasgow shipyard will see him return to shipbuilding on the Clyde where he began his career 40 years ago.

He spent 20 years in the marine, shipbuilding and offshore industries, including roles at Occidental; the American Bureau of Shipping; and Vickers Marine (now Rolls-Royce Marine), before securing a series of strategic leadership and executive management roles.

In 2008 Tydeman moved to luxury yacht builder Oyster Yachts as chief executive where he remained until 2018. He then spent 18 months as chairman at Fairline Yachts, fulfilling a remit to appoint a new executive team and put the company on a path to profit. Since then, he has been providing consultancy services for several luxury yacht construction projects.

“It is the right time to welcome a permanent and longer-term leader,” says Alistair Mackenzie, chairman of the board at Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow). “David will be responsible for continuing to roll-out the ongoing turnaround plan, deliver the dual fuel ferries project, win new vessel orders and drive sustainable growth and expansion.  He has a unique blend of shipbuilding, capital project and business change knowledge and experience at an executive level, which we believe is vital to securing a sustainable future for the shipyard.  He also brings strong leadership skills and a proven track record of managing complex situations.

“The Board and wider team at Ferguson Marine extend our thanks to Tim Hair for his leadership, expertise and commitment over the past two years.  It has been challenging, not least because of a global pandemic, but he has implemented a series of important changes, systems and controls and built an experienced and skilled team to strengthen the business and establish a solid footing for growth.

“A new CEO for the business is a positive and confident step towards a successful future, and we look forward to working with David to further rebuild the shipyard.”

Ferguson Marine turnaround director, Tim Hair, who has led the business since August 2019 and implemented a major transformation programme, will depart in February 2022 following a short handover period.