Global Ship Lease Announces CEO Transition
LONDON, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL), a leading independent owner of containerships, has announced a transition in its leadership. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Webber, has decided to retire from his role after serving as CEO since the company’s inception in 2007. Effective March 31, 2024, Webber will join GSL’s Board of Directors, expanding the board’s size to nine members. Concurrent with his retirement, Thomas Lister, who has been with the company since 2007 and has held various senior executive positions, will assume the role of CEO.
Lister played a key role in GSL’s initial public offering in 2008 and has been the Chief Commercial Officer since then. He also served as the Chief Financial Officer in 2017-2018 during the merger between GSL and Poseidon Containers. Additionally, Lister has been leading GSL’s decarbonization initiatives since 2019. With a background in asset finance, banking, and liner shipping, Lister brings a wealth of industry expertise to his new role. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and is a graduate of Durham University.
George Youroukos, Executive Chairman of Global Ship Lease, expressed his gratitude to Ian Webber for his contributions and leadership during his 16 years as CEO. Youroukos acknowledged Webber’s instrumental role in navigating the challenging containership industry and ensuring the success of the merger with Poseidon Containers. Webber’s transition to the Board of Directors will allow GSL to continue benefiting from his experience and guidance.
Youroukos expressed confidence in Lister’s ability to lead the company during this pivotal time for the industry. He highlighted Lister’s deep knowledge of the company and extensive experience across various sectors of the shipping industry. Youroukos also mentioned Lister’s role in spearheading GSL’s response to the growing pressure to decarbonize. With an industry at an inflection point, Lister’s appointment aims to maintain GSL’s positive momentum and drive the company forward.
Thomas Lister commented on his privilege to assume the role of CEO and expressed his confidence in a smooth transition due to his long-standing partnership with Ian Webber and the entire GSL team. Lister acknowledged the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the shipping industry and expressed excitement about taking on the role with the support of GSL’s exceptional teams.
Global Ship Lease is a well-established owner of mid-sized and smaller containerships, with a diverse fleet. The company was incorporated in the Marshall Islands in 2007 and went public on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008. As of September 30, 2023, GSL owned 68 containerships with an aggregate capacity of 375,406 TEU.
With this CEO transition, Global Ship Lease aims to continue its growth and adaptation in an evolving industry. For more information about Global Ship Lease, please visit www.globalshiplease.com.
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The IGB Group
Bryan Degnan
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Leon Berman 212-477-8438
