FRS Clipper Unveils New Management Team

SEATTLE, WA, April 16, 2024 – FRS Clipper, a leading provider of maritime transportation whale watching excursions and vacation packages in the Pacific Northwest, welcomes Mark Collins as the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for FRS Clipper in Canada and Chair of the Board for FRS Clipper, in the US effective May 1, 2024.

Collins will be based in Victoria, BC and brings extensive experience and leadership to the organization, having served at BC Ferries for many years, notably as CEO and president from 2017 to 2022.

FRS Clipper’s Chief Operating Officer, Gordon Dirker is also being promoted to CEO for FRS Clipper’s US entities, as of May 1, 2024. Mr. Dirker will report to Mr. Collins as Chair of the FRS Clipper Board.

The current CEO of FRS Clipper Matthias Pahnke will remain on the board of FRS Clipper and will take on new responsibilities for the global FRS organization.

“As FRS Clipper continues to grow within the Pacific Northwest and Canada, we are pleased to have such an outstanding leadership team both in Victoria and Seattle with the appointments of Mark and Gordon as CEOs,” says Moritz Bruns, Managing Director International Division of FRS GmbH &Co. KG, FRS Clipper’s parent company. “We look forward to Matthias’ future contributions for FRS and thank him for the work he has achieved in relaunching FRS Clipper following the pandemic.”

Mr. Collins’ and Mr. Dirker’s appointments will take effect on May 1, 2024.

About FRS Clipper 

FRS Clipper, a subsidiary of worldwide ferry operator FRS, connects guests with unique and thoughtful travel experiences in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Since 1986, FRS Clipper has provided transportation, tours and accommodation packages for more than eight million travellers, including direct catamaran service between Seattle, Washington, and Victoria, British Columbia.  

Media Contact:   

Masami Teramachi | tartanbond  
(250) 216-0900 | Masami.Teramachi@tartanbond.com