Great Lakes Group names new leadership at towing and shipyard divisions

The Great Lakes Towing Company and its affiliated Great Lakes Shipyard have announced key leadership promotions on Nov. 4.

Gregg Thauvette has been promoted from executive vice president to president of The Great Lakes Towing Company, where he will oversee harbor towing and fleet operations across more than 40 U.S. ports throughout the Great Lakes.

Great Lakes said Thauvette has spent decades in the maritime industry and played a central role in the company’s Fleet Renewal Program, which has enhanced the safety, sustainability, and reliability of its tug operations. He is also known for maintaining strong customer relationships with vessel owners, operators, and industry partners across the region.

The Great Lakes Group’s shipyard division, Thomas Rigolo has been promoted from executive vice president to president of Great Lakes Shipyard. Rigolo will continue to oversee all shipyard operations, including new vessel construction, repair, and maintenance projects.

Great Lakes said in a statement that Rigolo has led efforts to modernize and expand the facility, managing both commercial and government projects and strengthening the yard’s capabilities to meet the needs of regional operators. 

With Thauvette leading the towing operations and Rigolo heading the shipyard, the company said it is well positioned to continue its long-standing legacy of service, innovation, and leadership across the Great Lakes maritime industry.