Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Alyeska Pipeline Company is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer following Wednesday’s announcement that Kevin Hostler will retire from the job at the end of September. He has worked at the company that operates the TransAlaska Pipeline since 2005.
In a prepared statement sent out by the company Hostler is quoted as saying his retirement after a 33-year career with BP leaves plenty of time for a proper transition to a new leader. BP is the largest owner of the pipeline company.
The statement also says that Alyeska will appoint an acting CEO if a permanent replacement is not found by the time Hostler leaves.
Hostler has been the focus of criticism in recent months, particularly over a decision in February to transfer employees from assignments in Fairbanks and Valdez to company headquarters in Anchorage despite concerns that safety issues could not be adequately addressed from a central point. That complaint was repeated when a 200,000 gallon oil spill near Fairbanks in May closed the pipeline for three days.
Democratic Representative David Guttenberg of Fairbanks says Hostler has been a part of Alyeska’s lack of response to employee concerns.
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