AusGroup names new executive director and CEO

AusGroup has appointed Shane Kimpton as an executive director and chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 10, 2017.

The company said last Friday that Kimpton would join AusGroup after 30 years working in the resources sector in Australia and overseas for UGL, Transfield Services, and ExxonMobil.

In his previous senior executive role, he was responsible for maintenance, capital projects, commissioning, and shutdowns across the onshore and offshore oil and gas, LNG, chemicals, power generation, and mining sectors.

Chairman Stuart Kenny said that Kimpton was appointed after an executive search initiated by the board to find a leader who would build on the turnaround achieved by the company over the past 18 months, under outgoing CEO Simon High.

Kenny said: “He brings to the company a demonstrated track record of strategic and operational leadership, delivering outstanding long-term business and EBIT growth and improved HSE performance.”

AusGroup chairman praised the former CEO for returning key parts of the company’s operations to steady and profitable growth, significantly reducing operating costs through the restructuring of the Group, improved cash flow by resolving many of the historical claims across the Group, and reduced overall company debt through operational performance.

High will be stepping down for personal reasons from his full-time executive position but will continue in a part-time consultancy role to support the board, ensuring a smooth transition.

“The board thanks Mr. High for the outstanding turnaround which has been achieved by the executive team under his leadership,” added Kenny.

Earlier last week, AusGroup informed that its subsidiary MAS Australasia, had entered into an agreement with Clough Projects International for the supply of rope access trade services on the Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG project in Australia.