Week's Freight and Logistics Staff Appointments Begin with Big Name Move

SINGAPORE – Staff changes in the freight and logistics industry this week, starts with Rickmers Maritime, which has named former Maersk man and current Head of Global Network & Alliance for APL, Soren Andersen as the new CEO of the shipping company’s trustee-manager Rickmers Trust Management, effective June 1, succeeding Thomas Preben Hansen who will stay on at the company until the end of May, in order to facilitate a smooth transition.

SINGAPORE – Qantas Freight has announced the appointment of Benjamin Tan as Regional General Manager – Asia, based in Singapore. Tan had previously worked as the Head of Sales at the Jetstar Group, a subsidiary of Qantas. Tan succeeds Nick McGlynn, who has returned to Australia to take up the role of Head of Global Sales and Network at Qantas Freight.

JAPAN – K Line has named Jiro Asakura, current President and CEO, as its new Chairman and Eizo Murakami, current Vice President Executive Officer, as Asakura's successor. Both appointments are effective April 1.

SRI LANKA – Mahesh Kurukulasuriya, former Director of the GAC Sri Lanka, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of GAC Group's operation in Sri Lanka, responsible for the strategic growth and business direction of the Group comprising GAC Shipping, GAC Marine Services, GAC Logistics and Mclarens Shipping.

Kurulasuriya’s predecessor Preethilal Fernando, continues his role as Director/CEO of the group of companies. He is responsible for international and local business development and new business acquisition.

NETHERLANDS – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced that Erik Varwijk will, by mutual agreement, resign as Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Cargo effective March 1, 2015. Varwijk has been a member of the KLM Board of Managing Directors since 2011 and has been in charge of cargo business since April 2013, when he was appointed EVP of Air France-KLM Cargo. Varwijk's successor has yet to be named.

NORWAY – Nordisk has appointed Karl Even Rygh as Managing Director, succeeding Gerog Scheel who is to retire on April 15.

UK – The TT Club has appointed Kevin King as Regional Director Europe, Middle East and Africa. Based in London, King replaces Andrew Kemp who moved over to the UK P&I Club in January.

UK – Palletline has appointed former Regional Network Manager at City Link, Richard Gutsell, as its new Head of hub Operations.

UK – With immediate effect, Mike Farrall will take on the role of Chairman of Farrall’s Transport, with Jim Perry appointed to the position of Managing Director.

UK – Carefoot Transport has announced the promotion of Robert Dean to role of Operations Director and his appointment to its Board of Directors.

US – BlueGrace Logistics has announced the appointment of Justin Belcher as Chief Information Officer, effective February 2.

US – Richard Coyle, President of Devine Intermodal, has been appointed President of the California Trucking Association.

CANADA – Canadian Pacific has announced the appointment of Timothy Marsh as Senior Vice-President Sales and Marketing, effective since February 1. Marsh joins CP from COSCO where he had been Executive Vice-President North America Trade Division.