The head of operations at Channel Islands operator Condor Ferries is taking the helm at Isle of Wight operator Red Funnel Ferries as chief executive.
Fran Collins has spent 16 years with Condor in various roles including saster mariner, director of ports and guest services and has been operations executive director for four years.
She is being replaced by former Wightlink operations director Elwyn Dop, who has been working as a consultant and advisor to Condor since 2017. He takes up his new role on June 4.
Collins takes up her position at Red Funnel on June 11 with current chief executive Kevin George moving to become chairman of the company.
George said: “Fran’s appointment as chief executive is fantastic news for Red Funnel as we embark on the next stage of development of the business under our new ownership.
“Fran brings a great depth of knowledge in all aspects of operating vital ferry services to Island communities and I am delighted that Red Funnel and the Isle of Wight will now have the opportunity to benefit from her experience and expertise.”
Condor Ferries chief executive Paul Luxon said: “Elwyn is well known to us through many years spent in a management role at Wightlink and more recently has provided consultancy to Condor through developing our safety regime and systems.
“He is far more than a safe pair of hands to help move the company forward and I am delighted to welcome him to the senior management team.
“We are sad though to see Fran leave after a stellar career with Condor but her opportunity at Red Funnel is a significant next step in her shipping sector career journey, which started with a six week placement at Condor back in 2002.
“Her depth of knowledge, professionalism and experience will stand her in good stead going forward, and we wish her well.”