(TAMPA, Fla.) — Longtime maritime executive John Gallagher has been named president of Gulf Marine Repair, one of the Southeast’s leading tug-barge shipyards. Gallagher has more than 40 years' experience in management, naval engineering, ship construction and ship repair. He is a graduate of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture.
The board of directors of Hendry Marine Industries Inc. appointed Gallagher president to replace Rick Watts, who retired after 41 years.
“John has a tremendous level of experience that will make our great company even better,” said Mike Hendry, managing director of Hendry Marine Industries. “John has managed multi-million-dollar projects and led large teams successfully for decades and is recognized as a strong leader in the maritime industry.”
During his career, Gallagher has worked on a mix of government and commercial clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, Rolls-Royce North America, British Maritime Technology, and Raytheon.
“I’m excited and honored to join Gulf Marine to help them build on their success,” said Gallagher. “Gulf Marine and Hendry Marine are well-known and widely respected for their quality work. I look forward to working with this great shipyard for many years to come.”
Gallagher is a member of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) and a fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). He is also a member of the executive board, SNAME Chesapeake Section.