ST Engineering North America, Inc. announces that Robert (Bob) L. Merchent is named President and CEO of VT Halter Marine, Inc. (Halter Marine) effective today. Merchent joins Halter Marine with extensive ship building and major program management experience.
“We welcome Bob and look forward to his leadership of Halter Marine during this time of growth,” said Tom Vecchiolla, President and CEO of ST Engineering North America. “Bob’s expertise as a shipbuilder and proven program leader makes him the right choice to lead Halter Marine during this critical period.”
Much of his career was spent at Ingalls Shipbuilding, where he advanced through multiple positions of ever-increasing responsibility, leading programs critical to both the business and the U.S. Navy, culminating his career there as the Vice President, Surface Combatants, Fleet Services and U.S. Coast Guard Programs.
Merchent has a Bachelor’s of Science in business management from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as certificates on executive leadership from the Harvard Business School; executive finance from the Wharton School of Business; executive marketing from the University of Maryland.
We thank outgoing President and CEO, Ron Baczkowski, for his contributions to and leadership of Halter Marine.