The Great Lakes Towing Co., Cleveland, announced that CEO Joe Starck will retire effective July 2, 2026, capping a 35-year career with the company.
Starck began his career at the company in engineering and project management before rising to CEO, a tenure during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the modern face of the 126-year-old company and solidifying its position as the leading provider of ship assist services on the U.S. Great Lakes–Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Following Starck's retirement, Gregg Thauvette, president of towing, and Tom Rigolo, president of Great Lakes Shipyard, will continue to oversee their respective business lines, reporting to the company's board, as will CFO Ken Kure.
"It has been an honor to lead Great Lakes Towing and the hard-working teams on shore and on the water," Starck said. "I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and safety, which are at the core of our business."
He added, "Over the years, we have focused on maintaining and strengthening GLT's role as the clear leader in the Great Lakes, with a dominant market position and a reputation for professionalism, performance, and reliability. I know The Towing Company is in very capable hands with Gregg, Tom, Ken, and the rest of the team, and I look forward to seeing their accomplishments and leadership in the years ahead."
Jonathan Whitworth, chairman of the Great Lakes Towing board, credited Starck with helping steward the company's legacy. "We sincerely appreciate Joe's contributions to GLT and his role in stewarding and strengthening the company's 126-year legacy as the go-to provider of critical ship assist and related services to customers throughout the Great Lakes," Whitworth said.
Whitworth also pointed to Starck's recent work overseeing a fleet renewal effort. "Most recently, he has overseen a successful newbuilding program that has brought ten modern towboats into the GLT," he said. "As we transition to the next generation of leadership, we are confident the company will continue raising the bar and solidifying its leadership in the Great Lakes."
