Crowley Maritime Corp. has announced that
Steve Demeroutis will now assume the role of vice president, marine operations,
for the company’s petroleum and chemical transportation group. Rudy Leming will
assume Demeroutis’ former position of vice president, labor relations.
In their new positions, both employees will remain domiciled
in Jacksonville, Fla., Demeroutis will report to Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior
vice president and general manager, petroleum services, while Leming now
reports to Bill Pennella, vice chairman and executive vice president.
Demeroutis joined Crowley in 2007 as director, labor
relations, and was later promoted to vice president. Prior to joining Crowley,
he served as vice president, United Inland Group of the International
Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots and as a trustee for several different
employee health and benefits plans. He received his Master’s license in 1986
and sailed as Master and First Class Pilot with the Washington State ferries.
In his new position, Demeroutis will be responsible for the
safe and reliable operation of Crowley's marine petroleum assets including U.S.
Coastwise, Jones Act product tankers, ranging from 240,000 to 300,000 barrels,
as well as the company’s 17 articulated tug-barges, which range from 155,000 to
327,000 barrels and are capable of carrying refined petroleum products and easy
chemicals.
“We are glad to welcome Steve and appreciate the integrity
he brings to the petroleum organization,” said Grune in a Crowley press release.
“Having served the maritime industry for over 25 years, including time spent
sailing, he has a trusted understanding of how to safely operate our diverse
fleet of assets in a way that meets the intricate demands of Crowley’s partners
and customers.”
Leming began his career with Crowley in 1984 when the
company purchased Delta Lines. He was transferred to port operations at Petty’s
Island and worked his way up from maintenance manager to terminal manager to
director of port operations. In 2000, Leming was promoted to vice president of
operations and in 2006 became vice president, Caribbean Island services. In
2010, he was again advanced, this time to vice president of terminal
operations. He is a past recipient of the Thomas Crowley Trophy, Crowley’s
highest honor.
In his new position, Leming will be responsible for the
development and implementation of Crowley’s overall labor strategy. He will
oversee contract negotiations, union relationships and the day-to-day
administration of collective bargaining agreements throughout the entire
Crowley organization, in addition to having functional responsibility for labor
relations for all Crowley subsidiaries. East and West Coast labor functions
will also now report to Leming.
“Over the years, Rudy has been instrumental in labor
negotiations with those organizations related to Crowley’s liner services
groups,” said Pennella. “He has developed the experience and reputation to
conduct labor negotiations and conflict resolution professionally and swiftly
while maintaining top-notch relationships with union organizations and
personnel.”