Bibby Offshore boss to leave after 25 years

Chief executive of subsea service provider Bibby Offshore has decided to leave the business.

Bibby Offshore confirmed on Monday that Howard Woodcock, the company’s chief executive, decided to leave the business in order to pursue new challenges.

Regarding his departure, Woodcock said: “After 25 years with Bibby, more than half of which has been with Bibby Offshore, I now wish to find a fresh challenge. Having successfully brought Bibby Offshore through recapitalization and the change of ownership the business is both in a safe and stable place and growing again so the time is right for me.”

Mark Bessell, CEO of Rever Offshore and chairman of Bibby Offshore Holdings, added: “Howard has been instrumental in helping to create a great business in Bibby Offshore for both our customers and employees, I would like to personally thank him for all his contribution and hard work over the past 25 years and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Woodcock was appointed as the managing director for Bibby Offshore Limited in 2005 to grow the business as a separate division of the Bibby Line Group. He became chief executive in 2007.

He began his career with Bibby Line Limited as a deck cadet at the age of 16. After nine years of service at sea, he was promoted to chief officer having served on general cargo, bulk carriers, tankers, ferries, anchor handlers, supply, and diving support vessels.

In 1990 Howard came ashore to qualify as a Ship Broker and subsequently became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

He re-joined Bibby Line Limited in 1993 as Assistant Ship Manager working his way up to being appointed to the Bibby Line Board as Director of Shipping in 2003 following the completion of an MBA from Lancaster University.