WALLENIUS Wilhelmsen has appointed a new chief operating officer shipping.
Xavier Leroi has worked with the shipping company since 1997 and was most recently its chief customer officer.
During his 25 years with the company, Mr Leroi has also worked across other areas relating to shipping, logistics and customer growth.
He has also held sales, business development and operations assignments in Asia, South Africa and Europe.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen CEO Lasse Kristoffersen said there are few people in the company who have broader experience than Mr Leroi does.
“When [current COO] Erik Noeklebye announced that he was leaving in June, I said I would look internally for new candidates because I think it is important that we as a company fosters talents and provides career opportunities to our people,” Mr Kristofferson said.
“At the same time, it was important for me to pick a person who also follows the company culture and the leadership principles that we hold dear.
“I believe [Mr Leroi] is the right person to bring shipping to the next level,”
Mr Leroi said he is grateful for the company’s confidence and trust and looks forward to his new responsibilities.
“My predecessor Erik Noeklebye has laid a solid foundation, all the people and resources are in place, I look forward to embarking on this next leg of our journey together with the team,” he said.
The company announced in late June Mr Noeklebye would step down from his role as executive vice president and COO shipping services.
“Twenty-five years in the company, working through challenges and successes with all my amazing colleagues, makes you take stock of your life and career,” Mr Noeklebye said at the time.
“This has not been an easy decision but one that is right for me and my family,”
Mr Leroi is expected to step into his new role on 1 November.
