CEO Leaves Sparrows After 4 Years In Office

Stewart Mitchell will take over as chief executive of global offshore and mechanical handling group, Sparrows, on 10th of March 2014.

The announcement follows the decision of current chief executive, Doug Sedge, to stand down after four and half years with the company. During this period Sedge led the significant expansion and internationalisation of the business, positioning Sparrows for strong long-term global growth. He will remain on the board of directors.

Mitchell was previously a senior executive with McDermott International, a $3.1 billion revenue company, which is a global leader in the provision of engineering, procurement and installation services to the offshore oil and gas industry. Most recently, Stewart has been responsible for running McDermott’s business across Europe, North and South America, Middle East, India and the Caspian.

Commenting on his departure,  Sedge said: “Now that we are in a very healthy position, it is time for me to step aside and allow someone with new ideas and energy to take the business to the next stage in its global expansion plans. With his extensive international experience in the oil and gas services industry, Stewart will build upon the growth and consolidation we have achieved both at home and overseas.

“I would like to thank all the staff at Sparrows, our customers and our suppliers for their loyalty and support during my tenure. I have every confidence in the future development of the business and am pleased to continue my involvement on the board.”

Established in 1973, Sparrows is one of the most well-known and trusted names in the oil and gas services industry, employing over 2,000 people in 19 locations worldwide. The company specialises in the provision of lifting, crane engineering and mechanical handling services to the offshore oil and gas industry.