(NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — Seaspan Shipyards has appointed Jari Anttila as chief operating officer (COO). With more than 25 years of experience in shipbuilding and industrial operations, Anttila will bring significant industry knowledge to this newly created role.
“As Canada’s long-term partner under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and a leader in the shipbuilding and marine industries, Seaspan Shipyards is committed to attracting and developing the best talent,” said Brian Carter, president and chief executive officer, Seaspan Shipyards. “Jari’s experience in shipbuilding will make him a valuable part of Seaspan’s team as we continue to deliver on our commitments to both government and commercial sector clients.”
Joining Seaspan from Philly Shipyard Inc. where he served as senior vice president, Anttila has considerable experience in successfully leading organizations through large shipbuilding projects. Prior to joining Philly Shipyards Inc., he held positions as executive vice president, chief operating officer and senior vice president with Meyer Turku and its predecessors in Finland. Anttila has contributed to the successful delivery of dozens of vessels.
At Seaspan, he will drive organizational excellence and operational efficiency by ensuring that the necessary controls, procedures, and systems are in place. Based at Vancouver Shipyards, Anttila will concentrate on ensuring that its work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is successfully completed, as well as assist in developing a strategic plan to advance the growth and diversification of Seaspan Shipyards.
Reporting directly to the president and CEO of Seaspan Shipyards, the COO will play a key role as part of the executive leadership team. The new COO position further demonstrates Seaspan’s evolution as the long-term, non-combat shipbuilder for the Government of Canada.
Anttila arrives at a crucial time for Seaspan: Last year the company launched the first large ship to have been designed and built under the NSS – the future CCGS Sir John Franklin. In June of this year, start of construction was celebrated on Canada’s Joint Support Ships (JSS). These milestones demonstrate the significant progress being made on Seaspan’s NSS-related commitments which Anttila will play a crucial role in furthering. In addition, design and engineering work is ongoing for the offshore oceanographic science vessel.