Austal USA President Michelle Kruger to Retire

Austal Limited announces transition plan as Kruger steps down after leading the company through a period of growth.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Austal Limited, the parent company of Austal USA, has announced that Michelle Kruger, the president of its Mobile, Alabama-based subsidiary, will be retiring effective June 1, 2026. Kruger joined Austal USA in 2022 and was appointed president in 2024 during a challenging time for the company. Under her leadership, Austal USA strengthened its foundation and secured a record order book, reinforcing the company's long-term growth outlook.

Why it matters

Kruger's retirement marks the end of a long and distinguished career in shipbuilding. Her departure comes at a critical juncture as Austal USA looks to capitalize on new growth opportunities and execute on its current build and sustainment programs. The transition plan put in place by Austal Limited aims to ensure a smooth handover of leadership as the company searches for a new president to guide the subsidiary into its next phase.

The details

As part of the transition, Kruger will move into a "president emeritus" role, providing continuity and advisory support through the remainder of her tenure. Austal USA's current Chief Operating Officer, Eugene (Gene) Miller, has been appointed Interim president, and the company's Board of Managers chairman, Chris Chadwick, will temporarily assume the title of Executive Chairman to help oversee the leadership transition. Austal Limited has commenced a global search for the Austal USA president role, with Miller being considered alongside external candidates.

  • Kruger joined Austal USA in 2022 as Vice President of Global Services and Support.
  • Kruger was appointed Interim President of Austal USA in August 2023.
  • Kruger was appointed President of Austal USA in April 2024.
  • Kruger will retire from Austal USA effective June 1, 2026.

The players

Michelle Kruger

The retiring President of Austal USA, who joined the company in 2022 and was appointed to the role in 2024.

Paddy Gregg

The CEO of Austal Limited, the parent company of Austal USA.

Eugene (Gene) Miller

The current Chief Operating Officer of Austal USA, who has been appointed Interim President during the leadership transition.

Chris Chadwick

The Chairman of Austal USA's Board of Managers, who will temporarily assume the role of Executive Chairman to help oversee the leadership transition.

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What they’re saying

“During her tenure, Austal USA strengthened its foundation and worked closely with our business development teams to secure a record order book, reinforcing the company's long-term growth outlook.”

— Paddy Gregg, CEO, Austal Limited (marinelog.com)

“As Austal USA enters its next phase, we are focused on strong execution across our current build and sustainment programs while capturing new growth opportunities. We will be targeting senior leaders with deep manufacturing and operational expertise to lead the business forward.”

— Paddy Gregg, CEO, Austal Limited (marinelog.com)

What’s next

Austal Limited has commenced a global search for the Austal USA president role, with the current Interim President, Eugene (Gene) Miller, being considered alongside external candidates.

The takeaway

Kruger's retirement marks the end of an era at Austal USA, but the company is well-positioned for the future. The transition plan put in place by Austal Limited aims to ensure a smooth handover of leadership as the company searches for a new president with the expertise to guide the subsidiary through its next phase of growth and execution.