Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, one of the most high profile women in Norwegian shipping, has resigned from her role of CEO at John Fredriksen’s dry bulk shipping arm Golden Ocean Management.
Vartdal has held the position since April 2016, and prior to this was CFO. She steps down at the end of the month, although will remain available to Golden Ocean until the end of February 2020.
The company’s chairman Ola Lorentzon steps in as interim CEO and will initiate the search for a new CEO immediately.
Commenting on her departure, Vartdal said: “I have had 10 fantastic years with Golden Ocean and am pleased with the development of the company during this period. The company is now in a solid financial position, just delivered its best quarterly result since 2013 and is well prepared ahead of IMO 2020. I am proud of what all our dedicated and knowledgeable colleagues have created, and I am confident that Golden Ocean has a bright future.”
Golden Ocean also announced today a quarterly net income of $36.7m, as well as the completion of a $284m refinancing for 15 vessels.
