Robert D. Somerville, currently President and Chief
Operating Officer of ABS has been elected to the position of Chief
Executive Officer by the ABS Board of Directors. These duties will be in
addition to Mr. Somerville’s current responsibilities. The transfer of CEO
responsibilities from ABS Chairman Frank J. Iarossi marks the first phase
in a carefully planned leadership transition strategy. Mr Iarossi will
continue as Chairman of the classification society until 1 May 2004 and
remains Chairman and CEO of the ABS Group of Companies, an affiliate of
ABS.
The Board of Directors has also elected Robert E. Kramek, currently Senior
Vice President and President, ABS Americas division to the position of
Executive Vice President.