CalMac CEO to step down from ferry operator as board cites ‘real challenges’
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CalMac CEO Robbie Drummond is to step down from his role with the ferry company citing the “real challenges” faced by island communities “over this past year”.
Mr Drummond will be replaced by Duncan Mackison, the former CEO of David MacBrayne Ltd, as an interim CEO until a “permanent successor has been appointed”. Mr Mackison has over 25 years of experience in senior executive roles, and began his early career as an officer in the Royal Marines.
CalMac, among its many ferry services, provides a lifeline link between Ullapool and Lewis.
The ferry service operators said: “The Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd Board takes the responsibility of delivering the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract extremely seriously.
“It recognises, that the island communities served by CalMac have faced real challenges over this past year.
“These challenges are likely set to continue until new vessels are introduced to the fleet over the coming years.
“In this context, the board wants to strengthen the focus further on operational performance of an aging fleet, resilience and enhanced dialogue and responsiveness with the customers and the communities CalMac serves.
“As a consequence, the board has reviewed the executive leadership of the organisation to ensure that it is best placed to achieve that during some challenging years ahead.
“Duncan Mackison, former CEO of CalMac Holding Company, David MacBrayne Ltd, has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent successor has been appointed.
“The board thanks Robbie for his efforts and wishes Robbie well in his future endeavours.”
