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The World Shipping Council’s board of directors has elected Soren Toft as its new chairman and Randy Chen as vice chairman.
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Both executives will serve a two-year term, which takes effect immediately
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Toft and Chen succeeded Rolf Habben Jansen and Jeremy Nixon, who served as co-chairs of the WSC Board for two terms, beginning November 2020
The World Shipping Council’s board of directors has elected Soren Toft as its new chairman and Randy Chen as vice chairman, the council said in a statement.
Toft is CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. while Chen is vice chair of Wan Hai Lines. Both executives will serve a two-year term, which takes effect immediately.
Toft and Chen succeeded Hapag-Lloyd AG CEO Rolf Habben Jansen and ONE CEO Jeremy Nixon, who served as co-chairs of the WSC Board for two terms, beginning November 2020.
Joe Kramek, WSC president and CEO, said Toft and Chen’s expertise will contribute much to the global shipping industry.
Saying he was looking forward to working with the two, Kramek said, “Both are esteemed leaders with a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainability in the global shipping industry.”
He added that “their experience and expertise will be instrumental in continuing to develop the World Shipping Council as the united voice of liner shipping.”
He also said that their “exceptional leadership” was needed during a critical time for both the industry and the WSC.
For his part, Toft said it was an honor to assume the role of WSC chair and to represent the global liner shipping industry.
“WSC is today a respected voice of liner shipping, engaging with governments and organizations globally,” said Toft.
Toft added that the ever-changing world presents both challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Looking ahead, he said, “I am eager to further advance our work to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe and secure shipping industry.
