The Norwegian shipbuilder Vard, which belongs to the state-owned Italian Fincantieri Group and whose customers include a Rickmers company, is getting a new boss.
Cathrine Kristiseter Marti has been introduced as Vard’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She will take up her post on 1 June and comes from the Norwegian shipyard Ulstein.
Marti will replace current CEO Alberto Maestrini, who will remain Chairman of the Supervisory Board, according to a statement. He will continue to lead Fincantieri’s offshore and speciality ship business, to which Vard belongs, and thus further support Vard’s integration into the Fincantieri Group. Maestrini has been CEO since 2020.
Rickmers company ASSC is also a Vard customer
The statement continued, “The appointment of the new CEO is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Vard as a global leader in the offshore and speciality vessel sector and as an important business pillar within the Fincantieri Group.”
Marti, a CEO with a strong connection to the Norwegian business community and solid international shipbuilding experience, is believed to have the necessary tools to ensure performance continuity while providing an impetus for further growth. Vard has seven shipyards in Norway, Romania, Brazil, and Vietnam. Current customers include the Rickmers company ASSC, which has ordered special offshore vessels via a joint venture.
Cathrine Marti is best known in the industry as CEO of the Ulstein shipyard. She has over 25 years of experience in the maritime industry. “After several difficult years,” the press release continues, “the Vard Group has finally achieved a solid business position.
