Trailer Bridge announces management changes

Trailer Bridge announces management changes    Puerto Rico carrier Trailer Bridge said it has reorganized its executive suite on Monday, eliminating several jobs including that of Ralph Heim, the company’s president and chief operating officer.
   Heim, who joined Trailer Bridge in 1991, acted as interim chief executive officer after long-time CEO John McCown stepped down last December. Ivy Barton Suter was named the new CEO in August.
   The company said the management shakeup would “better align responsibility and promote cost efficiency.” In addition to Heim, the job of Robert van Dijk, vice president of pricing, has been eliminated. Both men have been offered severance agreements, and the company said it did not expect to fill the jobs but instead distribute their responsibilities among other officers.
   Adam E. Gawrysh Jr. was named vice president and chief commercial officer. He has worked for the company for 17 years and has most recently been responsible for inland operations. His added responsibilities will include management of the sales and pricing functions. David A. Miskowiec has become general manager, commercial accounts.
   The company said the changes are expected to result in reduced operating costs and more streamlined responsibility, but will result in an estimated one-time $500,000 charge during the fourth quarter. In connection with the assumption of additional duties, the company said it granted additional stock options to William G. Gotimer Jr., Mark A. Tanner, Adam E. Gawrysh and J. Edward Morley.