Ohio manufacturer Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) is strengthening its maritime team with two new hires in the Middle East and Europe.
And Mark Isherwood will head up sales in Northern Europe to work closely with customers across the region and support the growth of APC’s coating systems for the global chemical and product tanker fleet.
“James and Mark bring valuable experience and expertise that will help us further develop customer relationships in these regions, support our existing business, and identify new opportunities across these important markets as we look to strengthen our presence and customer commitment,” said Peter Stoyles, APC Global Sales Manager.
Mr Stoyles said as regulatory pressures and operational challenges mount for chemical tanker operators, APC is investing heavily in its people. Its expanded leadership structure will deliver faster response times, closer technical engagement, and on-the-ground support around the world.
“The level of support and professionalism our growing team brings is our strength and key differentiator,” said Stoyles. “Our customers will see the benefit of this expanded presence with a deeper technical partnership, quicker problem-solving, and more proactive inspections.”
Kennedy, a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst with more than 15 years of commercial leadership and business development experience in the maritime industry, has worked extensively in the Middle East region leading commercial activity and C-suite engagement across major shipping and energy clients.
“My role is to be APC's commercial representative across the GCC market — building and deepening relationships with chemical and product tanker owners, operators, charterers, technical managers and shipyards,” he said. “I further want to identify opportunities for APC's coating solutions at the drydock and newbuild stage,”
“For customers, it means a dedicated, locally-engaged point of contact across the region — someone who can be present for technical and commercial conversations on the ground. Here I can respond faster to opportunities, and bring a strong understanding of the shipowner, operator and charterer landscape to every conversation.
“The GCC is a strategically important and growing market for chemical and product tanker owners and operators. My appointment reflects APC's commitment to building a stronger regional presence. With dedicated, in-region commercial focus, I expect to accelerate new customer relationships, deepen existing ones, and support APC's broader growth ambitions across the Middle East.”
Isherwood, who has 15 years’ experience in the marine and chemical industries with major global companies like Methanex and SABIC, said that joining APC during the current growth phase offered tremendous potential.
“I am looking forward to driving value for our existing clients and securing new business,” he said. “And I’m excited at the prospect of bringing innovation to tank coatings to help customers transport more chemicals safely with faster cleaning and turnaround times”
