ABS chief Christopher Wiernicki announces retirement
Long-serving chairman and chief executive to retire at the end of the year, will be replaced by chief operating officer John McDonald
ABS chief executive and chairman Christopher Wiernicki will retire at the end of 2025 after 14 years at the helm. He will be replaced by president and chief operating officer John McDonald effective January 1, 2026
CHRISTOPHER Wiernicki, chief executive and chairman of US-based classification society ABS, will be retiring at the end of 2025 after 14 years at the helm.
Wiernicki announced his retirement at ABS’ 163rd annual members meeting in Houston. He will be replaced by chief operating officer and president John McDonald, who will become chairman and chief executive effective January 1, 2026, ABS said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We have faced many challenges during my tenure, including the pandemic, the marine and offshore industry downturn and unprecedented, and disruptive technology and regulatory-driven change,” said Wiernicki.
“In spite of these events, we were able to move forward with a number of strategic investments that have allowed us to become an industry recognised technology and safety leader.”
A 35-year industry veteran and a recognised thought leader, Wiernicki was featured in Lloyd’s List Top 100 People rankings in 2024.
