Greek car carrier operator Neptune Lines announced on Tuesday it has hired Craig Jasienski as its new chief executive.

The Australian manager used to hold the same position at rival Wallenius Wilhelmsen, in the wider business group of which he had held several posts for more than 30 years.

"Neptune Lines has long been a company I admire, and it is with great honour that I have been asked to join the company as CEO”, Jasienski said in a Neptune press release.

His appointment becomes effective on 1 October.

Melina Travlos-led Neptune operates 18 pure car/truck carriers, owned or chartered, with a cargo capacity ranging between 1,500 and 4,600 cars.

The company provides short sea transportation solutions to more than 20 countries and 30 ports, focusing on the Mediterranean, North Europe and the Black Sea.

“I would like to give a warm welcome to Craig whose experience and dedication will be extremely beneficial for leading Neptune Lines,” said Travlos, who is the company’s owner and chairwoman of the board.

Jasienski’s appointment means that Travlos will no longer combine the positions of company CEO and president.

Travlos serves as secretary at the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) as well. In recent weeks, there has been speculation in the Greek press that she might play a more elevated role when the UGS leadership is due for re-election later this year.

“I will work closely with him [Jasienski] to make sure that our vision will become reality. We will raise the bar higher, we will overcome challenges and we will accomplish amazing things together,” Travlos said in the press release.

Jasienski had been chief executive of Wallenius Wilhelmsen between 2017 and 2021. Before that, he served as CEO at Eukor Car Carriers and at United European Car Carriers.