CalMac chief executive resigns

CalMac chief executive officer Robbie Drummond (pictured) has resigned with immediate effect.

The CalMac board said it takes the responsibility of delivering the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract extremely seriously and that it recognises the island communities it serves have faced real challenges over this past year.

A CalMac spokesperson said: “In this context, the board wants to strengthen the focus further on operational performance of an ageing 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. As part of that review, current chief executive officer (CEO) Robbie Drummond is stepping down with immediate effect.

“The board thanks Robbie for his efforts and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

Duncan Mackison, former chief executive of CalMac holding company David MacBrayne Ltd, has been appointed interim CEO until a permanent successor is appointed. Mr Mackison is a former Royal Marine officer and has more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive roles at managing director and CEO levels delivering complex outsourced service contracts to government and local government customers in sectors from transport to defence, property and technology.

He also has significant experience in leading service transformation and change working for companies such as G4S, Serco, Buccleuch Group, David MacBrayne and Biffa, with responsibility for annual contract income values up to £400 million and staff numbers up to 5,000.