MOL Liner announces organizational changes and senior appointments

HONG KONG – MOL Liner has announced the following organizational changes and senior appointments in the Liner Headquarters in Hong Kong and other regions.

T.K. Konishi has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer since June 21, 2013 to succeed Junichiro Ikeda who remains as Chairman of MOL Liner.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve our organization and leverage on our human assets with a view to enhancing our competitiveness and effectiveness. This year, we will shift the Transpacific Trade Management to Hong Kong. With the shift, we will have all the Trade Management function to/from Asia Region in Hong Kong as well as all key global functions, Global Marketing & Communications, Yield Management, Procurement, Network Planning, Operation and Administration,“ Konishi said.

Transatlantic & Europe-Africa Trade Management will remain in the Netherlands under the supervision of Colin de Souza, Senior Vice President; and Latin America Trade Management will remain in the United States led by Tsunemichi Mukai, Vice President.

All of the Trade Management and the Global function heads will report to Yutaka Hinooka, Chief Operating Officer, who reports Konishi.

“It is a very flat management to facilitate effective communication and decision making,” Konishi said.

Meanwhile, effective August 1, 2013, the Transpacific Trade Management will be migrated to MOL Liner Headquarters in Hong Kong under the leadership of Rich Hiller, who will be promoted from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President of MOL Liner, and will be relocated to Hong Kong at the same time. Mukai will lead a team in the United States to continue supporting Transpacific Trade Management, including Transpacific North America Pricing function, and will report to Hiller accordingly.  At the same time, Mukai will be responsible for Latin America Trade Management function which will remain in the United States.

Capt. Hidetoshi Ito has been promoted to Executive Vice President of MOL Liner and continuing to be responsible for Ship Management and Marine Operation.

On July 1, 2013, a new Global Marketing & Communications Team was set up under Liner Marketing and Sales. Reporting to Rick Kimura, Senior Vice President, the new team will provide overall direction and guidance on global tenders and contracts write-up, market analysis, sales enhancement plans, corporate communications, branding and other marketing activities. 

And from August 1, 2013 onwards, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. will begin operating in Canada as MOL (Canada) Inc. The establishment of MOL (Canada) Inc. represents our strong commitment to the Canadian market and is another step forward to develop our business in North America as MOL Liner can provide direct and comprehensive services to the customers.