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Clarksons, the world’s largest shipbroking group, has announced a wave of senior appointments spanning its corporate leadership and dry cargo broking division, signalling a strategic push to sharpen operations and deepen commercial performance as geopolitical disruption continues to reshape global trade flows.
New COO to Succeed Retiring Deputy
Harriet Oliver, currently Group Head of HR, will step up to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer, working alongside Jeff Woyda during a transition period before his retirement in September 2026.
Oliver has served on the Clarksons senior management team since October 2019. During her tenure she has overseen the company’s growth from 1,600 employees to more than 2,100, with a focus on strengthening capabilities and enhancing the firm’s client offering.
A qualified solicitor since 2002, Oliver previously spent over 15 years at ICAP plc (later NEX plc), where she held senior legal and HR positions. She played a central role 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, Oliver will concentrate on operational productivity, investment in people and culture, and sustained value delivery for clients and shareholders.
Replacing Oliver in the HR function, Kate Thompson has been named Group Head of HR. Thompson joined Clarksons in 2015, initially leading its global employment legal function before moving into a broader commercial HR leadership role. She was appointed HR Director in 2022 and served as Oliver’s deputy.
Dry Cargo Division Gets New Command Structure
In a parallel restructuring, Clarksons has installed fresh leadership across its dry cargo broking operation, a division numbering more than 340 professionals worldwide.
Tim Francis has been appointed Managing Director of Dry Cargo. Francis joined Clarksons in 2015 and has led the Global Cape desk since 2024. In his expanded role he will continue to operate within the Capesize segment while also driving the division’s global strategy, commercial performance, and positioning across key markets.
Guy Bartleet takes the newly created role of Managing Director for Dry Cargo Period. Bartleet joined the firm in 2008 as a trainee and rose to Head of Global Handymax in 2022. He will work closely with Francis on strategic priorities, with a particular emphasis on consistency and performance in period chartering business.
Supporting the new structure, three further promotions have been confirmed at director level: Shawn Yu becomes Head of Global Cape, Paul Farren takes charge as Head of Global Panamax, and Henry Potter assumes the role of Head of Global Geared.
Why It Matters for the Market
The leadership overhaul comes at a time when the dry bulk sector faces persistent uncertainty. The ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to ripple through global trade and energy markets, affecting vessel routing, tonnage availability, and freight rate volatility.
By installing a more layered command across Capesize, Panamax, and Geared segments, Clarksons appears to be positioning its dry cargo desk for faster decision-making and closer alignment with client needs across different vessel classes and geographic markets.
For shipowners, charterers, and operators active in the dry bulk space, the appointments signal that the world’s largest broker intends to compete more aggressively for period and spot business. The emphasis on a strengthened leadership pipeline also suggests the firm is preparing for a generational shift, with Woyda’s September 2026 departure marking the exit of one of its most senior figures.
The company framed the changes as part of a broader commitment to strategic delivery and client service, noting that its people remain central to long term success.
