OCTOBER 24, 2013 — ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki has announced the appointment of Joseph "Joe" Riva to the position of ABS Vice President and Chief Surveyor. He will succeed Linwood "Lenny" Pendexter, who has held the position for ten years.

Joseph Riva

As the classification society's Chief Surveyor, Mr. Riva will be responsible for guiding and overseeing all ABS survey activities, applying a strong knowledge of ABS Rules and Guides and international regulations to create consistency and quality in service delivery.

Mr. Riva has previously served as Assistant Chief Surveyor for the ABS Americas and ABS Europe Divisions. He is the ABS program manager for the US Coast Guard Alternative Compliance Program and has represented ABS on the IACS Survey Panel. During his 32 years with ABS, Riva has held field surveyor positions around the world for both new construction and in-service assets across the marine and offshore sectors.

"Joe has an in-depth knowledge of the important role played by ABS surveyors in assisting our members and clients in constructing and maintaining safe marine and offshore assets," said Mr. Wiernicki. "Joe's comprehensive experience and insight will allow him to assist our global management team in strengthening our service delivery while maintaining the consistent world-class quality expected of ABS surveyors."

Mr. Wiernicki noted that Mr. Riva is uniquely qualified for the role of chief surveyor because he combines the strong technical experience across all areas of survey with a proven track record of organizational leadership and client service. "In carrying out our mission of promoting safety at sea, one of the most important roles is that of chief surveyor; it is a vital position and one that Joe is ready to assume," said Wiernicki.

Mr. Pendexter, a nearly 40-year veteran of ABS, will assist with the chief surveyor transition until his retirement during the first quarter of 2014.

"For more than ten years, Lenny has fulfilled the mission of ABS with great distinction as our Chief Surveyor," said Mr. Wiernicki. "His work in modernizing the ABS survey process, as well as his commitment to global marine and offshore safety through his roles in IACS, is to be commended."

Mr. Wiernicki continued, "Lenny and Joe have worked together throughout their careers and it is a testament to Lenny's leadership that Joe is fully prepared to assume this critical role."

Mr. Riva will assume the role of ABS Vice President and Chief Surveyor effective 1 November 2013.