Seaway Marine’s Paterson, Cargill’s Penner to fill roles
June 21, 2010
The board of directors of the Chamber of Marine Commerce has announced the election of Allister Paterson as its new chair and Len Penner as its vice-chair. Mr. Paterson is president and CEO of Seaway Marine Transport, the largest Canadian operator of gearless and self-unloading bulk freighters on the Great Lakes and East Coast of Canada.
Mr. Penner is president of Cargill Ltd., an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.
“Mr. Paterson has been very involved with the activities of the Chamber as a member of the board of directors, including playing an instrumental industry role in the development of our Marine Delivers communications initiative,” said outgoing chair Michael Kennedy, of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, who has completed his two-year term. “We look forward to working with him in his new capacity as chair.”
Raymond Johnston, president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, said, “Mr. Penner has also been a valuable member of the board of directors of CMC for a number of years and his company relies significantly on marine transportation throughout the world. He brings a global perspective as an important international shipper to the role of vice-chair.”
Mr. Paterson has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry. He began his career at Pacific Western Airlines (predecessor to Canadian Airlines) before joining Air New Zealand in senior roles including acting CEO in 2000-01.
Prior to joining Seaway Marine Transport, he was president and CEO of Air Canada Vacations.
Mr. Paterson is based in St. Catharines.
Mr. Penner joined Cargill in 1975 and held various management positions within the seed and commodity marketing businesses before being appointed president in 2005.
Mr. Penner is based in Winnipeg.
The Chamber of Marine Commerce represents more than 160 marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as domestic and international shipowners. It represents the interests of its members by addressing government issues affecting marine transportation.