O’Rourke named next Victoria Shipyards VP and GM

Joe O'Rourke

FEBRUARY 19, 2015 — Canada’s Seaspan Shipyards reports that Joe O’Rourke is joining Victoria Shipyards to succeed Malcolm Barker as Vice President and General Manager when he retires, effective Spring 2015, following more than 21 years with the company.

Mr. Barker began his shipbuilding career at the age of 16 and has been in the British Columbia marine industry for nearly four decades. Formerly with Yarrows Shipyard in Esquimalt, he has spent the last 21 years with Victoria Shipyards, providing dynamic leadership and establishing an exceptional level of service for a wide range of customers and suppliers around the world.

“Malcolm has been instrumental in successfully building Victoria Shipyards to the thriving organization it is today and words cannot express the sincere gratitude we have for his leadership and accomplishments,” said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards. “Throughout Malcolm’s tenure, Victoria Shipyards has grown steadily and earned a reputation for its quality work in new construction, major ship upgrades and ship repair.”

To ensure a thorough and seamless leadership transition process, Mr. O’Rourke will work closely with Mr. Barker in the coming weeks will assume full authority in his new position immediately following Mr. Barker’s official retirement.

Mr. O’Rourke will provide leadership to the Victoria Shipyards team, and will be responsible for its profitable, productive and safe operation, as well as building and maintaining positive, mutually beneficial relationships with key customers and suppliers throughout the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

“I am thrilled to welcome Joe to the Seaspan Shipyards family and our team of experts in Victoria,” said Mr. Carter. “Joe’s diverse experience and track record of proven leadership across diverse sectors of the North American marine transportation industry will be an asset for the company for many years to come.”

Mr. O’Rourke has nearly 30 years experience in positions of leadership and senior management throughout North America. He joins Seaspan after most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Business Development at Vigor Industrial LLC, Portland, OR.