APM Terminals Japan has named Sakura Kuma as its new chief executive.
The former employee of NYK Line will begin her new role on 1 February.
“Sakura Kuma ... will play a key role in the acceleration of our strategic transformation and lead the development of our business at the recently expanded Minami Honmoku terminals in Yokohama,” Tim Smith, APM Terminals' head of terminals, Asia, said.
Prior to joining APM Terminals, Kuma held several senior positions within marketing and sales, new business development and corporate management in NYK Line.
She also worked at NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, Yusen Terminal in Los Angeles and Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corp (YKIP) on secondment.
Kuma was also the director of Ecobunker Shipping — a joint venture between Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp, YKIP and Uyeno Transtech. The company owns one 2,500-cbm LNG bunker tanker.
“With nearly two decades spent in the port, shipping and logistics industries, Kuma brings extensive experience, strong management skills and a proven record of business development,” Smith added.
Kuma said she is "looking forward to joining the APM Terminals team" and that it will be "absolutely thrilling" to become the first female chief executive at a Japanese port.
Increasing capacity
APM Terminals Japan is increasing its capacity. Last year, it won a tender for a 10-year agreement with YKIP to increase existing berth capacity at its Yokohama terminal by adding two additional large berths.
The additional capacity will give APM Terminals a "strong competitive edge as the only terminal operator in Greater Tokyo area capable of handling vessels up to 20,000 teu", according to APM Terminals' senior press officer Marko Mihajic.
“The development increases terminal volumes from 1.1m teu to 2.1m teu and is expected to serve as platform for attracting additional liner customers,” he said.
“The expansion to a four-berth facility creates a world-class integrated terminal with superior ocean capabilities and the opportunity to further develop landside products.”
Mihajic said APM Terminals already has female managing directors and other "senior leaders".
“At APM Terminals, we want to attract and retain the best and brightest people from the broadest pool possible, and ensure that we select the right candidates, based on merit, skills and personality," he said.
“We value individuals that bring diverse talents, skills, and perspectives to the organisation."
Mihajic said "diversity of thought makes us stronger" and at APM Terminals, "we treat all employees and job applicants equally and respectfully and will not discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or cultural background”.
“We always aim to choose the most qualified person for any position from the widest possible pool and ensure an inclusive environment to drive exceptional business results.”
APM Terminals, which is part of AP Moller-Maersk, has 74 terminals worldwide that are operated exclusively by themselves or with a joint partner.
The terminals handle about 250 vessel calls per day and 40m teu per year.
