Seaspan Shipyards announced it has promoted Leo Martin to chief operating officer of Vancouver Shipyards, effective April 20. In the role, Martin will assume management responsibility for ship construction from concept design through delivery.
Martin has been part of Seaspan Shipyards’ senior leadership team since 2018 and brings roughly 20 years of experience in program management and supply chain leadership across the United Kingdom and Canada.
“Leo’s appointment to chief operating officer is a testament to the strength of our team and our focus on building a robust leadership pipeline. His expanded portfolio focuses the COO role on new construction performance with oversight of the shipbuilding and design process. I am confident Leo’s leadership will ensure we are well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities, grow the business, and deliver on our commitments,” said John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards.
“I’m honored to take on the role of chief operating officer. Our commitment to excellence in shipbuilding is stronger than ever. I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to build on the incredible sovereignty capabilities we’ve established across engineering and design, our pan-Canadian supply chain and in the highly complex and capable ships we build to meet the needs of our customers. I’m truly excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for Seaspan and our dedicated workforce,” Martin said.
Martin was appointed senior vice president, programs, in September 2023, overseeing both Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy programs, with responsibility for program delivery and operational efficiency improvements. Prior to joining Seaspan, he spent more than a decade with BAE Systems in its Naval Ships division, supporting delivery of Type 45 destroyers and the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
Seaspan Shipyards operates facilities in North Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, employing approximately 5,300 workers. The company provides ship design, engineering, construction, and repair services for government and commercial customers.
