Great Lakes Towing CEO Joe Starck retires

Written by Marine Log Staff

Joe Starck [Photo: LinkedIn]

The Cleveland, Ohio-based Great Lakes Towing Company reports that Joe Starck, the company’s CEO, will retire, effective July 2, 2026.

Starck’s 35 year career at Great Lakes Towing began in engineering and project management before advancing to CEO. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern face of the 126-year-old company and solidifying its position as a leading provider of ship assist services on the U.S. Great Lakes–Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Gregg Thauvette, president of Great Lakes Towing, and Tom Rigolo, president of Great Lakes Shipyard, will continue to oversee their respective business lines, reporting to Great Lakes Towing’s board as will CFO Ken Kure.

“It has been an honor to lead Great Lakes Towing and the hard-working teams on shore and on the water,” said Starck. “I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and safety, which are at the core of our business. Over the years, we have focused on maintaining and strengthening GLT’s role as the clear leader in the Great Lakes, with a dominant market position and a reputation for professionalism, performance, and reliability. I know the Towing Company is in very capable hands with Gregg, Tom, Ken, and the rest of the team, and I look forward to seeing their accomplishments and leadership in the years ahead.”

“We sincerely appreciate Joe’s contributions to GLT and his role in stewarding and strengthening the company’s 126-year legacy as the go-to provider of critical ship assist and related services to customers throughout the Great Lakes,” said Jonathan Whitworth, chairman of the Great Lakes Towing board. “Throughout his years at Great Lakes Towing, Joe has worked to maintain and strengthen GLT’s hard-won legacy for operational excellence, safety, and customer service. Most recently, he has overseen a successful newbuilding program that has brought ten modern towboats into the GLT fleet. As we transition to the next generation of leadership, we are confident the company will continue raising the bar and solidifying its leadership in the Great Lakes.”