Chet Morrison Contractors hires new CEO

Chet Morrison Contractors has a new chief executive officer for the first time since the company was founded in 1983.

Martin R. Ferron, former president, CEO and board of directors’ member of Houston-based Helix Energy Solution Group Inc. replaces company founder, Chet Morrison, as CEO.

Ferron will run the day-to-day operations, while Morrison will assume the title of executive chairman. Morrison will focus on long-term strategic development and international initiatives in his new position.

Ferron has 28 years of experience in the oilfield industry, including the last 11 years spent at Helix.

“Mr. Ferron has the knowledge and background that is perfectly aligned to execute our business strategy,” Morrison said. “We expect significant development and growth for our company under his guidance.”

“I wanted a new challenge, and I’ve been very impressed with the way Mr. Morrison has grown his company so far,” Ferron said. “I felt he had taken it to a place where someone like me could come in and perhaps bring some of the skills I picked up at Helix and at other companies and take Chet Morrison (Contractors) even further.”

While the bulk of Chet Morrison Contractors’ work is in providing various construction services to oil and gas production companies, CMC also has a production business.

One of Ferron’s top priorities is to grow the oil and gas production side of the company.

“We want to create some internal (American) demand for our products because if you’ve been following what’s been going on in the marketplace, commodity prices have been falling and customers are going to be spending less money on services,” the new CEO said. “That would help us continue to grow despite a weakening marketplace.”

Morrison and Ferron have known each other for about three years and have admired each other’s success.

Morrison said he contacted Ferron two months ago about joining CMC in some capacity. They worked out the arrangement and the announcement was officially made last week.

Ferron, a Wales native, is no stranger to the Tri-parishes. While working at the Helix-affiliate Cal Dive, he spent time at its operation plant in Morgan City.

“I’ve spent a fair amount of time down here,” Ferron said. “I really enjoy working with the people here. I think the ‘can-do’ attitude is always great to see. I enjoy the people immensely.”