Stephen Joseph, the chief working and monetary officer of Ocean Out of doors, has been appointed Ocean’s new group chief govt. Efficient from 1 January 2025, Joseph will succeed Tim Bleakley who, after 14 years as CEO, will change into chairman of the board of administrators.
In response to Ocean’s assertion on the transfer, the transition to Joseph’s management is a part of a long-planned CEO succession course of.
Bleakley mentioned it had been a privilege to guide the group for this era.
He added: “As we enter the subsequent stage of our journey, now could be the best time for a transition of management.
“Stephen is a confirmed chief with deep experience within the outside promoting enterprise, and he’s the best particular person to guide Ocean within the firm’s subsequent part of development. I look ahead to persevering with to work carefully with Stephen and the board to make sure a seamless transition and execute on our bold plans.”
Joseph joined Ocean as chief monetary officer similtaneously Bleakley turned CEO in 2009. The joint function of chief working officer was added to Joseph’s remit in 2015. Earlier than becoming a member of Ocean, he was a supervisor at accountancy agency BDO UK. He additionally spent greater than 4 years as assistant supervisor at KPMG.
Following the changeover subsequent yr, present board chair Melissa Bethell will “stay an lively member of the Ocean Group board”. Her actual function has not been specified.
Bethell has been chair since 2022 when Ocean delisted from the London Inventory Change and have become a accomplice of unbiased strategic funding firm Atarios.
Bethell mentioned: “On behalf of Atairos, Ocean’s majority proprietor, and the total Ocean board, I want to thank Tim for his management and lots of contributions to Ocean over his tenure.
“Tim has labored carefully with the total board to develop a considerate and strong succession plan, for which we’re immensely grateful. Underneath Stephen’s management and with Tim’s persevering with steering as board chairman, we’re assured that Ocean’s greatest days lie forward.”
