The world’s sixth-largest container carrier Ocean Network Express (ONE) is getting a new CEO in Till Ole Barrelet. The current boss Jeremy Nixon is stepping down.
Barrelet was most recently CEO of Emirates Shipping Lines and is well known for his previous activities in the German shipping industry. On May 1, he will take up his post as “CEO designate” at ONE, the joint venture between the Japanese shipping companies NYK, K Line and MOL, as was announced today. He will then officially succeed Jeremy Nixon on July 1. The long-standing CEO is to move into the role of “Senior Advisor”.
Since ONE was founded in April 2018, Nixon has been at the helm of the carrier, which is ranked 6th in the global market directly behind Hapag-Lloyd, according to the industry service Alphaliner. The fleet comprises over 260 ships with a capacity of more than 2 million TEU.
Barrelet has over 20 years of experience in shipping and logistics and was most recently CEO of Emirates Shipping Line (ESL). He has “extensive expertise in ship ownership, financing, container shipping and trade development in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa”, according to the statement. Previous positions in his career include CNC as well as the shipping companies CMA CGM, OPDR and Bernhard Schulte.
The change is planned and nothing will change for customers and stakeholders. The new CEO said: “I am honored to lead Ocean Network Express at this pivotal time. Jeremy has created an impressive legacy with a strong corporate culture, a talented team and a solid operational base. With an increasingly modern fleet, financial strength and proven capabilities, ONE is well equipped to meet the challenges of the industry. I will be committed to ONE’s service quality and growth ambitions while driving forward our ONE2030 strategic priorities.”
The change is also accompanied by a change in the management structure. One justifies this with the aim of “optimally positioning the carrier for the next phase of growth”. In addition to the CEO, there will be seven representatives from all business divisions in the management team. There will also be six additional regional managers.
“Jeremy’s contribution to Ocean Network Express has been exceptional,” said Jotaro Tamura, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board of Ocean Network Express Holdings. “As our founding CEO, Jeremy has been instrumental in building ONE and shaping our corporate culture and market position. We are deeply grateful for his strong leadership and vision to create a resilient and financially strong company.”
“Leading ONE from day one has been the most defining chapter of my career,” says Nixon himself. “Together with an exceptional team, we have created something very special. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved – overcoming unprecedented challenges, investing in sustainable technologies and building a culture of customer service excellence. Now is the right time for new leadership, and I am firmly convinced that Till ONE will lead successfully into the future.”
