Clarksons announces senior appointments across Group and Dry Cargo Broking

The year has begun at pace for our business. Against a backdrop of continued geopolitical complexity, including the ongoing conflict in Iran and its impact on global trade and energy markets, we remain focused on supporting our clients and delivering on our strategic priorities.

Our people are fundamental to our continued success and are central to delivering on our strategy. Consequently, we are pleased to announce the following senior promotions across the organisation.

Group Chief Operating Officer

Harriet Oliver will be appointed Group Chief Operating Officer, working closely with Jeff Woyda during a transition period ahead of Jeff’s retirement in September 2026.

Harriet has been part of the Clarksons senior management team since October 2019 as Group Head of HR. During this time, she has helped grow the business from 1,600 employees to over 2,100 today, with a focus on strengthening the Company’s capabilities and enhancing its client offering.

A qualified solicitor since 2002, Harriet spent over 15 years at ICAP plc (later NEX plc), where she held senior legal and HR roles. She was instrumental in major transactions, including the sale of the voice broking business to Tullett Prebon in 2016 and the sale of NEX plc to CME Group in 2018. As Group COO, Harriet will focus on strengthening operational productivity, continuing to invest in our people and culture, and ensuring we deliver sustained value for clients and shareholders.

Group Head of HR

Kate Thompson has been appointed Group Head of HR.

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2011, Kate joined Clarksons in 2015. She initially led the global employment legal function, where she played a key role in enhancing the Group’s governance across global employment matters, before transitioning into a broader and more commercial HR leadership role.

Appointed HR Director in 2022 and acting as Harriet’s deputy, Kate has been instrumental in supporting the business across the full range of HR and people matters.

In her new role, Kate will have responsibility for all aspects of the Group’s strategic people agenda, supporting delivery of the Group’s strategy and working closely with senior leaders across the global businesses.

Dry Cargo Leadership Appointments

Tim Francis has been appointed Managing Director, Dry Cargo. As the head of global Dry Cargo, Tim will focus on developing our wider Dry Cargo initiatives.

Tim joined Clarksons in 2015 and has led our Global Cape business since 2024.

He has demonstrated strong leadership in aligning teams around a clear strategy and focus on execution, lifting the performance of the desk.

In his new role, Tim will remain active within Cape, whilst also leading the global Dry Cargo strategy, driving commercial performance and strengthening our position across key markets and clients.

Guy Bartleet has been appointed Managing Director, Dry Cargo Period.

Guy has been with Clarksons since 2008 starting as a Trainee before taking on his first senior leadership role as Head of Global Handymax in 2022.

In this expanded role, Guy will work closely with Tim and colleagues globally to deliver strategic priorities, with a strong focus on consistency and performance in Dry Cargo period business.

Together, Tim and Guy will oversee a Dry Cargo division of more than 340 colleagues, supported by strong leadership across Geared, Panamax and Capesize and across our global offices.

As part of this strengthened leadership structure, the following promotions have been made:

Shawn Yu - Director, Head of Global Cape,
Paul Farren - Director, Head of Global Panamax
Henry Potter - Director, Head of Global Geared