Gernot Ruppelt is to succeed Anthony Gurnee as chief executive of Ardmore Shipping, the Bermudian-headquartered owner and operator of product and chemical tankers.

The company said Mr Gurnee, who founded Ardmore, has informed the board of directors of his intention to retire from his executive and board positions later this year.

The board has chosen current executive and chief commercial officer Mr Ruppelt as the company's chief executive, and expanded current CFO Bart Kelleher's position to take on the additional role of president, with the leadership transition to take effect from September 16 at the company's quarterly board meeting.

Mr Gurnee will remain available to Ardmore as an adviser during the transition period.

In connection with their promotions, Mr Ruppelt and Mr Kelleher will be joining the board.

Mr Ruppelt will maintain responsibility for Ardmore's commercial platform until a successor is selected, and Mr Kelleher will maintain his role as CFO until the board appoints a successor, after which finance and accounting will remain among his responsibilities.