INTERSCHALT maritime systems GmbH, a provider of maritime software for cargo operations and fleet management, NavCom services and manufacturer of VDR systems, announced a change in the company’s executive management today. This follows Cargotec Corporation’s acquisition of INTERSCHALT in January 2016.
Robert Gärtner, who has served as CEO of INTERSCHALT since 2006, stepped down from his position on June 20 to pursue other opportunities. Two managing directors have now been appointed: Benoit de la Tour, President of Navis, and Rainer Twisterling, former Vice President Services at INTERSCHALT.
In his additional role at INTERSCHALT, de la Tour will lead the integration of the company’s software business into Navis, part of Cargotec. Based in Oakland, Calif., de la Tour brings with him experience in transforming and growing global software and information businesses.
Twisterling will oversee integration of the INTERSCHALT services division into MacGregor, which is also part of Cargotec, as well as focus on growing the services business for the company.
“Our research indicates that $17 billion is wasted every year due to inefficient processes in the ocean container supply chain,” de la Tour said. “We have an important shared goal – and that is to help carriers, vessel owners and their shipping partners automate manual processes and gain easier access to higher-quality information and data through new technologies.” He then added, “INTERSCHALT’s extensive maritime expertise and proven software solutions for carriers and vessel owners combined with multi-tenant collaboration technology will provide our customers with smart, connected solutions to directly reduce costs and improve operational performance.”
INTERSCHALT customers will also benefit from integration and development of services including Shore Based Maintenance into MacGregor Lifecycle Support and follow the strategy of connected and connectable MacGregor products, with real time remote support and predictive maintenance.
In addition to his current role, Günter Schmidmeir, Navis Regional General Manager, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) will provide, local operational support during the integration, working closely with the INTERSCHALT software team.
In addition to these changes, the Pinneberg Local Court completed the company’s legal transformation from an AG (stock corporation) into a GmbH (limited liability company) on June 20, 2016.