TMC Marine appoints new chief executive officer

Leading international marine consultancy TMC Marine, a subsidiary of Bureau Veritas (BV), is pleased to announce Simon Burthem as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Simon Burthem takes over from Stephen Tierney, who is retiring from his full-time role after 32 years with TMC Marine.

As managing director and then CEO following BV’s acquisition of TMC Marine in 2016, Stephen Tierney (64) led the company’s expansion internationally with operations in London, Singapore, Houston, Melbourne and Shanghai. This has enabled TMC Marine to be closer to its international clients, with enhanced responsiveness. 

Simon Burthem (45) is promoted to CEO after four years as chief operating officer (COO). A degree qualified naval architect, he joined TMC Marine in 2010 and previously held the post of managing director of TMC’s Singapore operations for eight years before being appointed COO.

TMC Marine provides highly-specialised marine consultancy to clients such as shipowners, insurers, charterers, law firms, cargo interests and stakeholder authorities. It delivers a comprehensive range of marine consultancy services including emergency response, salvage and wreck removal, engineering and marine accident investigation, distressed cargo management, expert witness legal work, technical support for insurance claims, as well as loss prevention and cargo work.

Simon Burthem said a key aspect of his vision for the company was to target further geographic growth, particularly in its Asian and Oceanic division. TMC Marine will also expand its core service offering of navigation, naval architecture, engineering, fire and marine operations support by offering a broader range of new solutions to clients.   

He commented: “The impacts of the pandemic, changing legislation, the energy transition and oil price volatility have created a new and exciting climate for the consultancy industry. Today’s organisations must be more agile and provide a truly global offering for new and evolving customer needs.

“With more than 40 years of experience responding to marine incidents, casualties and disputes,TMC Marine is well respected in the marine industry. Our acquisition by Bureau Veritas can take us to the next level in consultancy services. As part of its standalone consultancy Bureau Veritas Solutions, we see possibilities to expand our current seats of operation and support the energy transition, greater digitalisation and changing market dynamics.”

Stephen Tierney added: “I am honoured to have led TMC Marine to its market-leading position as a high-quality provider of premium marine consultancy products. We’ve made significant changes to the business to maintain that position and the time is right for more.

“Having worked closely with Simon for several years, I am confident that the next stage of growth is in very good hands and I will continue to provide consultancy support to the company as required.”