Kevin Mackay: “There is still room for us to do more”
July 14, 2015
“Our focus is to take advantage of the improved market”
In recent interview with Tanker Shipping & Trade, Teekay Tankers’ President and CEO, Kevin Mackay, shared his view on the market and plans for growth. Since joining the company, Mr. Mackay’s focus has been to ensure the Tanker team works closely together “to operate the best ships in the industry” – as expressed in recent seafarer conference in Mumbai. One of his immediate challenges has been to imprint his leadership style on the organization. “I like surrounding myself with people who will challenge me and I am not afraid of people who know more than me.”
On current upturn in the market, Mr. Mackay is optimistic and believes there is room to do more. “Our focus is to take advantage of the improved market and shore up our balance sheet, which has been through a tough cycle over the last five years. A lot of the cash flow is going to paying down debt and to putting the company in a stronger position to then look at the growth prospects.” Last December, Teekay Tankers acquired five modern secondhand ships which reflected on Teekay Tankers’ strategy of increasing the organization’s exposure to an improving spot tanker market.
Teekay Tankers is the largest operator of midsized tankers with over 95 vessels under commercial management.