ABS makes management changes

Classification society ABS has appointed Todd Grove to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He will report to ABS President and COO Christopher J. Wiernicki and be based in the society’s headquarters in Houston. Grove, a 28-year veteran of ABS, has served as President and COO of three ABS operating divisions  -  Europe, Pacific and Americas. He also has extensive experience in the offshore sector having served as Director, Energy Project Development and Manager, Offshore Engineering.

“ABS has been a leader in the practical application of technological developments in support of the ABS Rules, and Grove is uniquely qualified to see that we are appropriately leveraging this key asset,” says ABS Chairman and CEO Robert D. Somerville. “Given the increased emphasis on environmental issues, as well as continued demands for ABS’ services in the offshore energy sector, Grove’s insight and experience will be valuable in setting the strategic direction for our research and development capabilities worldwide.”

John McDonald, currently Regional Vice President, Northern Europe and Africa, will succeed Grove as President and COO of the ABS Europe Division. He has been with ABS for more than 14 years and has held several leadership positions including District Manager for the U.S. Central District and Assistant Chief Surveyor for Naval Programs.

John Gallagher, currently Regional Vice President, North America, will transfer to London and assume the position of Regional Vice President, Northern Europe. Gallagher, a 30-year veteran of ABS, has served in various leadership roles including Eastern District Manager, US and Canada and Principal Surveyor for the Great Lakes.

Thomas Blenk, currently Vice President of Global Operations, ABS Nautical Systems (NS) Division, will transfer to New York City and replace Gallagher as Regional Vice President, North America. Blenk, a 13-year veteran of ABS has held several key operating assignments including Country Manager of Dubai and Principal Surveyor in Korea.

Demetri Stroubakis, currently Regional Vice President, Eastern Europe, will transfer to Houston and replace Blenk as Senior Vice President of Global Operations, ABS NS Division. Stroubakis, an 18-year veteran of ABS will be responsible for NS’ worldwide operations including product development, modeling and account management. Prior to his current assignment, Stroubakis served as Executive Assistant to the ABS Chairman and the ABS President and also had several key operating assignments including Country Manager of Romania.

Vassilios Kroustallis, currently Country Manager for Greece, will replace Stroubakis as Regional Vice President, Eastern Europe. Kroustallis has held several key operating assignments during his 17 years with ABS including Principal Surveyor in Korea.

Christos Nomikos, currently Principal Surveyor for Greece, will replace Kroustallis as County Manager for Greece. Nomikos, a 21-year veteran of ABS, has held several key operating assignments including Principal Surveyor in China and Greece.

The management changes are effective February 1, 2011

January 19, 2011