Desautel Transitions to Chair of Global Seas; Towne Named President

Bob Desautel, the co-founder of Seattle-based vessel operator and ship management company Global Seas has transitioned away from his post as the organization’s chief executive. The company’s chief financial officer, Jeb Towne, has taken on the position of president.

The changes in leadership were announced by the company Jan. 7.

In a statement, Desautel said Towne has been an invaluable asset to Global Seas as the company has grown and that he’s excited to see what the former CFO’s fresh eyes will bring to the business.

“This transition is one that we have been anticipating for some time and I know the family of companies under Global Seas will continue to thrive as I work with Jeb to navigate this new chapter with confidence and competence,” he said.

Desautel is also chairman of the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers marketing group.

In 1994 he co-founded Nina Fisheries, which expanded globally to Chile and Argentina four years later, according to a post by Desautel on the social media site Linked In.

In 2001, Desautel co-founded Global Seas as a subsidiary of Nina Fisheries, which became a vessel management company on the West Coast. Under his leadership, Global Seas expanded business operations on the East Coast as co-owner of the seafood processing company Norpel and into the maritime research field as owner and operator of the r/v Mt. Mitchell.

He also served as president and on the board of the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association and advocated for safety education for the commercial fishing industry by providing information about U.S. Coast Guard requirements, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). He also supported hands-on training programs and safety seminars and workshops.

In 1993, Desautel co-founded United Catcher Boats, served as a member of the board and later as vice president, while promoting the organization’s importance to the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska and West Coast fisheries.

Desautel was studying business at the University of Nevada in 1978 when he began his career as a deckhand fishing in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea.

He went on to serve as captain of various fishing vessels until 2002, when he retired from maritime activities to focus on expansion of Global Seas.

Source: https://fishermensnews.com/desautel-transitions-to-chair-of-global-seas-towne-named-president/