(Sharecast News) - Shipping company Clarkson tapped Laurence Hollingworth to take over as chairman on Wednesday.

Hollingworth, who will succeed outgoing chair Bill Thomas with immediate effect, joined the firm's board back in July 2020 and has "extensive experience" in capital markets.

Prior to joining Clarkson, Hollingworth spent 37 years in stockbroking and investment banking with Cazenove and JP Morgan. He is also currently non-executive chairman at ABM Communications and a non-executive director at Recycling Technologies and Atom Bank.

Chief executive Andi Case said: "We are very pleased to welcome Laurence to his new role as chair of the Board. Since he joined Clarksons in 2020 he has proven himself an invaluable advisor with a wealth of experience in the broking sector and I look forward to working with him in his new position.

"We thank Bill for his leadership of the board over the last three years and wish him all the best for the future."