Management shuffle at Synergy sees Unni take on chairman role

Rajesh Unni, founder and CEO of Singapore-based shipmanagement giant Synergy Marine Group, is stepping back from the day-to-day running of the company, announcing a succession plan which will see him take on the role of executive chairman. Mathavan Subbiah, who has been with Unni since the launch of the company in 2006, steps up from chief operating office to become group chief executive.

Unni built up one of the world’s fastest-growing shipmanagers, going from zero ships to around 600 vessels in 17 years, making Synergy the fourth largest shipmanager in the world.

Last October New York-based private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners bought a minority stake in Synergy.

Unni told Splash today the decision to shuffle management had come about as he wanted to show the next generation there is a route to the top. Also, by ditching the CEO role, Unni said it would free him up to have more longer and deeper conversations with customers.

“I came from a poor background, and went out to sea to survive,” Unni related, adding: “I want to inspire the next generation, to show people they can lead.”