Cargo container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd has is to split its European operations into northern and southern regions. The company said the move was part of its strategy to remain closely connected with international clients. After the reorganization, Hapag-Lloyd will serve its customers from a total of six regions.
The new Region South Europe will be headquartered in Genoa, Italy to reinforce the company’s activities in the Mediterranean region. Juan Pablo Richards, previously manager of the company’s operations in Area Brazil, has been appointed as the new leader and senior managing director of Region South Europe which will include Area Italy, Area Turkey, Area Iberia, Area Egypt and Area Med agents.
Region North Europe will include Area Germany & Central Europe, Area Benelux, Area UK & Ireland, Area France, and Area North. Michael Pradel has been named as senior managing director of the new region.
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said: “An essential part of our strategy 2023 is to further develop our organization and ensure our proximity to markets and customers. Launching our sixth region will help us do exactly that, and I am very much looking forward to working with Juan Pablo Richards and Michael Pradel to further expand our already strong positions in Northern and Southern Europe.”
Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet includes 237 container ships and the company manages 118 liner services and connects more than 600 ports on all continents. It also operates 399 branch offices in 128 countries with about 12,800 employees.