Bahrain-based Asry has appointed Nils Kristian Berge, the current commercial general manager, as its acting chief executive, to succeed Chris Potter, who leaves the company next month.

The Asry board yesterday confirmed the transition has been planned for several months in order to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of responsibilities, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"With new expansions and diversifications now completed and integrated at the yard under Mr Potter's valued guidance, Asry is now positioned for a new phase of progress, which Mr Berge is ideally suited to spearhead," said Asry chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

"With more than 25 years of international maritime experience and detailed insight into the workings of Asry over his time as commercial general manager, our ambitious plans for the yard will be in capable hands," he stated

On his new role, Berge said: "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to continue Chris' excellent work. I intend to streamline the yard's efficiency, lead it to greater stakeholder value, and consolidate its reputation so that it remains a source of pride for Bahrain and Arabian Gulf."

The outgoing CEO Chris Potter said he was leaving the organisation with many fond memories of the numerous people whom he has had the pleasure of working with.

"I am privileged to have overseen the huge transformation the company has undergone in recent years and I leave in the knowledge that Asry has a very secure future ahead," he added.-TradeArabia News Service