The World Shipping Council (WSC) announced that its Board of Directors has elected Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new chair of the World Shipping Council Board.
Randy Chen, vice chairman of Wan Hai Lines, has been elected vice chair. Toft and Chen will serve a two-year term, effective immediately.
In the announcement, WSC — the primary industry trade association representing the international liner shipping industry — said the new chair and vice chair succeed Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who has served as co-chairs of the WSC Board for two terms, starting November 2020.
[Soren Toft. Source: World Shipping Council]
WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek noted the expertise that Toft and Chen will contribute to the global shipping industry.
"I am looking forward to working with Soren Toft and Randy Chen in their new roles. Both are esteemed leaders with a proven track record of driving innovation and sustainability in the global shipping industry. Their experience and expertise will be instrumental in continuing to develop the World Shipping Council as the united voice of liner shipping," Kramek said.
"I also extend my sincere gratitude to Rolf Habben Jansen and Jeremy Nixon for their exceptional leadership over the past four years, during a critical time for the industry and WSC. Their commitment has been instrumental in the Council’s growth and development, strengthening its representation internationally and extending its scope of work."
Toft, for his part, welcomed his appointment. "It is an honour to step into the role of chair for the World Shipping Council and to represent the global liner shipping industry alongside our members. WSC is today a respected voice of liner shipping, engaging with governments and organisations globally."
"An ever-changing world presents both challenges and opportunities for our industry as we head into the future, and I am eager to further advance our work to shape the future growth of a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, safe and secure shipping industry," he added.
