Sad Death of Freight and Logistics Founder Starts the Weekly Staff News

US – This week’s round-up of staff changes in the shipping and logistics world starts with the sad news of the death of Mike Welch, Co-Founder of Magnate Worldwide and Express-1, the company that eventually developed into the industry giant, XPO Logistics. He died on September 27 after a long illness.

Welch was involved in the transportation and logistics sector for over 30 years. In 1989, he co-founded Express-1, a Midwest-based expedited carrier that eventually developed into the XPO Logistics. He became President and was appointed to the Board of Directors of Express-1 Expedited Solutions in 2004. Welch was then appointed CEO of Express-1 Expedited Solutions in 2005.

His relationships in the industry led him to his second project, Magnate Worldwide, a partnership between Magnate Capital Partners and CIVC Partners.

US – Jaxport has named Ben Buben as the port's new Director of Cargo Sales, specialising in vehicle and Roll-on/Roll-off cargoes. With more than two decades of experience in automotive operations and business development, Buben most recently served as Vice President of Pasha Automotive Services.

Frank Camp, who previously managed the port’s vehicle and RoRo business, has shifted to a new role focusing on developing new and existing container cargo business with accounts throughout the Southeast US.

US – CSX has announced the appointments of Kevin Boone as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Jamie Boychuk as Executive Vice President of Operations. Ed Harris, who previously led the Operations function, will continue as Executive Vice President with a combination of operating and general executive responsibilities.

US – Magline has announced Karen Perry as its new Customer Service Manager.

UK – Julia Prescot has joined the Board of Directors at the Port of Tyne, as a non-Executive Director. Prescot is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Meridiam, a global long term infrastructure fund based in Paris. She is also a commissioner sitting on the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission and the Co-Founder of Women Leaders in Infrastructure.

UK – Element Materials Technology has announced that current CFO, Jo Wetz, will succeed Charles Noall as the company’s CEO from December 31. This follows Noall's decision to retire from his executive role after 17 years leading the Group.

UK – James Wroath has joined Wincanton as its Chief Executive Officer. Wroath most recently held the position of Head of North America at LSG Sky Chefs, providers of airline catering and in-flight services, a role he held for nearly four years.

FRANCE – Cargo intelligent systems company, MGI has announced the appointment of Rémi Julien as President of the Executive Board. He replaces Jaap Van Den Hoogen, who has been in the role since 2015.

FRANCE – Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has announced Nils Andersen as Chair of the WFS Board of Directors, effective since September 19.

NORWAY – Yara Marine Technologies has announced Dr Thomas Koniordos as its new CEO, succeeding Peter Strandberg, the company’s founder. Koniordos most recently served as Yara's head of Environmental Solutions and also as Chair of the Yara Marine Board.

Strandberg will continue to be part of the YMT Management Team as Chief Technical Officer.

DUBAI – The Marcura Group has announced that Jesper Kjaedegaard has joined the group as a Senior Advisor. Kjaedegaard has had a long career in the shipping industry and currently serves as Partner of Mercator International. He spent the majority of his career with AP Moller Maersk holding senior roles including CEO of the Maersk Company. He also held the positions of Chairman of Maritime UK, and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping.