GOGL – Changes to the Board composition
Rhea-AI Summary
Golden Ocean Group (GOGL) has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors. The company has appointed Mr. Patrick De Brabandere and Mr. Patrick Molis as new Directors, both bringing extensive maritime and financial industry experience.
Simultaneously, four directors have stepped down: Mr. Ola Lorentzon, Mr. John Fredriksen, Mr. Ben Mills, and Mr. Cato Stonex. The newly composed Board, now consisting of James O'Shaughnessy, Tonesan Amissah, and the two new appointees, plans to initiate discussions with CMB.TECH, GOGL's new reference shareholder.
The Board will explore potential strategic options, including commercial cooperation, operational and technical partnerships, and other business combinations. Importantly, the company has confirmed its intention to maintain its current dividend policy until further notice.
Positive
- Maintained dividend policy stability for shareholders
- Strategic partnership exploration with CMB.TECH could create new business opportunities
- New directors bring extensive maritime industry and financial expertise
Negative
- Significant board turnover with four directors stepping down simultaneously
- Uncertainty regarding potential strategic changes with new reference shareholder CMB.TECH
Golden Ocean Group Limited (Nasdaq: GOGL & OSE: GOGL) (“GOGL” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment by the Board of Directors of Mr. Patrick De Brabandere and Mr. Patrick Molis as Directors of the Company.
Mr. Patrick De Brabandere holds a degree in Applied Economic Sciences from UCL Louvain-la Neuve. He started his career at the audit firm Arthur Andersen. In 1987, he joined Almabo, the former holding company of the Saverys family, as Project Controller. He became CFO of CMB NV in 1998 and was appointed director of CMB NV in 2002. In 2003, following the partial demerger of Exmar NV from CMB NV, he became director and CFO of Exmar NV, then COO. In 2020 he became CFO of Exmar NV again until June 2022. He currently is a director of CMB NV and he also sits on the Supervisory Board of CMB.TECH since 2023.
Mr. Patrick Molis graduated from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and holds a Master’s degree in law from Paris X Nanterre. He started his career as a Magistrate at the Cour des Comptes after joining the National School of Administration. Mr. Patrick Molis was General Manager of Union Normande Investissement (1989-1992), CFO of Worms & Cie Group (1994-1997), General Manager of Compagnie Nationale de Navigation (1995- 1998), Chairman of the Board of Compagnie du Ponant (2012-2015) and Chairman and CEO of Héli-Union (2013-2022). He is currently Chairman of Compagnie Nationale de Navigation (since 1998) and director of Sabena Technics. He has previously served as member of the board of directors of Euronav Luxembourg (1995-2001), Euronav (2004-2010), Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (1995-2017), Compagnie Méridionale de Navigation (2008- 2022) and of the Conseil d’orientation du Domaine national de Chambord (2007-2017). Mr. Patrick Molis has been awarded the titles of Knight of the Legion of Honour and Officer of the Order of Merit. He currently sits on the Supervisory Board of CMB.TECH since 2023 as an independent member.
The Company further announces that Mr. Ola Lorentzon, Mr. John Fredriksen, Mr. Ben Mills and Mr. Cato Stonex in conjunction with the above appointments have stepped down from their positions as Directors of the Company. The Company would like to express its sincerest gratitude for the many years of positive contribution these directors have brought to the development of its business.
Taking into account these changes, the Board of Directors currently consists of Mr. James O’Shaughnessy, Ms. Tonesan Amissah, Mr. Patrick De Brabandere and Mr. Patrick Molis.
In its new composition, the Board of Directors looks forward to initiate conversations with the Company's new reference shareholder, CMB.TECH. The Board of Directors expects conversations to include potential strategic options, commercial cooperation, operational and technical partnerships, and/or other forms of business combinations. Until further notice, the Board of Directors intends to maintain the Company’s current dividend policy.
The Board of Directors
Golden Ocean Group Limited
Hamilton, Bermuda
March 21, 2025
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Forward-looking statements: This release may contain certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect the Company’s current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of material factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
FAQ
What major changes were announced to GOGL's Board of Directors in March 2025?
How will GOGL's dividend policy be affected by the board changes?
What strategic discussions will GOGL's new board pursue with CMB.TECH?
Who are the current members of GOGL's Board of Directors after March 2025 changes?
