Heidmar rethinks CEO appointment

JANUARY 29, 2014 — Last week the Board of Directors of Norwalk, CT, headquartered tanker operator Heidmar said it had appointed Hans van der Zijde as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Today, though, Heidmar says it is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Ben Ognibene as Heidmar’s new Chief Executive Officer.

“On Thursday,” says a press release, “the Heidmar board announced that it had appointed Hans van der Zijde as the new CEO.  However, on reflection, the board has concluded that such a move would not be the best choice for the company and its pool partners, customers, employees and shareholders. Fortunately, the board was in a position to be able to look to Ben to permanently assume the leadership of the Heidmar team, which he has been instrumental in building over many years.

“Heidmar wishes Mr. van der Zijde all the best. The board respects the work he has done at WOMAR since its inception. We are confident he will continue to lead this joint venture to even greater future success.

“The board also thanks staff and management for their input and patience while it worked to get the future course of the company in the best hands possible, and looks forward to growing Heidmar’s business and serving its clients with Ben and his team at the helm.”