Bill Rebarick has been named president for U.S. operations of Davie Defense. In that role, Rebarick will oversee day-to-day leadership of David Defense and Gulf Copper shipyard.
Rebarick brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to Davie Defense, most recently with BAE Systems Maritime Solutions. Prior to that, he led supply chain management and operations at Austal USA and held senior roles at Lockheed Martin.
The appointment comes at a significant time for Davie Defense, with its Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) program for the U.S. Coast Guard and expansion at Gulf Copper facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas.
"I'm excited to join Davie Defense at such a critical time for American shipbuilding," Rebarick said. "My immediate priority will be to listen and learn from our team, customers, and partners, while maintaining focus on disciplined execution and building the capabilities required for future growth."
Davie Defense also recently added Kim Salmi as vice president and general manager for new builds. Salmi, "on assignment" from Davie Defense's Helsinki Shipyard affiliate, brings expertise in icebreaker construction and will focus on the company's ASC contract.
"Building Arctic Security Cutters in the United States is a major undertaking," Salmi said. "My focus is on helping build the team, capability, and processes needed for long-term success, while ensuring the first vessel gets off ot the strongest possible start. That includes exchanging shipbuilding know-how and experience from Finland with our colleagues in Texas."
Other recent additions at Davie Defense include Nickolas Guertin, vice president of innovation, and Kevin Swanson, head of U.S. government relations and public affairs.
"Bill and Kim bring exceptional experience in the U.S. shipbuilding and complex icebreaker construction," said Philip Burns-O'Brien, CEO of Davie Defense and Gulf Copper. "With major programs secured and significant investment planned in Texas, their full focus will be on execution. Overall, the team we are building here in Texas greatly strengthens our ambition of rejuvenating U.S. shipbuilding."
