SBM Offshore board to take over duties after CTO embarks on new role as Heerema CEO

Dutch FPSO operator SBM Offshore has revealed that its Chief Transition Officer (CTO) has tendered his resignation in preparation for his move to Heerema Marine Contractors, where he will be taking over the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role.

Back in January 2022, SBM Offshore created a Chief Transition Officer (CTO) role to play a leading role in the energy transition and appointed Philippe Barril – who was the firm’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the time – to the role.

In a statement on Friday, SBM Offshore informed that Barril had decided to step down on 31 August 2022 from his role as CTO due to his appointment as CEO of Heerema Marine Contractors, starting on 1 September 2022.

Bruno Chabas, SBM Offshore CEO, remarked: “I would like to thank Philippe for his partnership and significant contribution to the Company over the past seven years. He has played a key role in the delivery of our strategy and our performance as a full lifecycle energy transition company, overseeing the realization of the Fast4Ward programme and the substantial increase in our order book that this has enabled.”

Barril was appointed as a member of the management board and COO in 2015. He officially became CTO in April 2022 with responsibility for Human Resources, Legal & Compliance, Health, Safety, Security and Environment and some other corporate functions.

“Further, I would like to acknowledge the role Philippe has played in enhancing the focus on safety and health management and the continuation of our outstanding operating performance of our fleet. He is a great colleague and team player. We wish him every success in his new role,” added Chabas.

Following Barril’s departure, SBM Offshore decided to simplify the structure of the management board, to ensure that the CTO portfolio would be allocated among the remaining three management board members with the aim of ensuring continued focus on the firm’s advancement as an energy transition company.

Commenting on his time with SBM Offshore and his imminent departure, Barril, stated: “The last seven years have been an amazing experience and I would like to thank all my colleagues at SBM Offshore for their commitment, resilience and delivery of our group vision. A particular note for my management board colleagues whether past or present for their remarkable team spirit.

“I look forward to joining Heerema Marine Contractors, a leader of the offshore industry and to contribute with its teams to its unique positioning within the energy transition space.”

Barril’s move comes after Heerema Fabrication Group and Heerema Marine Contractors announced in May 2022 that the current CEO would step down from the role on 31 May 2022.