Owen Kratz to Retire after Career of Transformative Leadership

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. announced that Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and member of the Helix Board of Directors (the “Board”), has informed the Board of his intention to retire.

Mr. Kratz’s retirement will mark the culmination of an extraordinary career, beginning as an offshore diver and holding various offshore positions before ascending to onshore management. Mr. Kratz joined Helix (then known as Cal Dive International) in 1984 and was first appointed as its CEO in 1997. To ensure leadership continuity and a smooth transition, Mr. Kratz intends to continue to serve as CEO until the Board has appointed a successor.

“Owen Kratz is a pioneer and a stalwart in the offshore energy services industry, and his leadership of Helix for nearly four decades is to be applauded,” said Bill Transier, Chairman of the Helix Board. “The depth and breadth of his contributions to the Company cannot be overstated, as he has dedicated his distinguished career to the growth of Helix from a small diving company to a global industry leader. Owen has successfully navigated Helix through multiple business cycles and delivered value to our shareholders and clients, as an innovator in multiple fields including subsea diving, intervention, robotics, construction, E&P and decommissioning.”

“Helix has significantly evolved since I first joined Cal Dive, and it has been the privilege of my career to lead this unique Company and grow it into what it has become today,” said Kratz. “Working with friends and colleagues over the years I am proud to have overseen Helix’s rise to becoming a leading and trusted offshore services provider around the world and having done so with integrity. Helix is well positioned and has a strong balance sheet that affords opportunities for future growth. I am confident in the Company’s ability to drive value creation over the long term, I look forward to supporting the team in achieving new heights, and I am excited to see what Helix’s next chapter holds.”

“Succession planning is a matter the Board and Owen have long discussed. The Board and executive management are committed to continuity and a smooth transition, and we are grateful that we’ll continue to benefit from Owen’s expertise and perspective in this process,” continued Transier. “We are focused on selecting our next strong CEO, with proven experience as a global business leader.”

Source: BusinessWire