APL's Sappio says no to move, quits after 29 years to stay in California

SINGAPORE's container shipping line APL has announced that 29-year veteran Bob Sappio, head of the company's PanAmerican Trades, will leave the company August 1 to remain in the San Francisco Bay Area after the carrier moved its Americas headquarters to Phoenix, Arizona.


Mr Sappio has been the head of APL's transpacific trade since 2003, playing a key role in establishing APL as a leader on the trade lane and building its reputation for quality service, said Ron Widdows, CEO of parent company Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) Group.


Said Mr Mr Sappio: "I've devoted my entire career to APL - a company I have tremendous affection and respect for, but family priorities are most important, and I've made the decision to stay closer to home and remain in California where my family has established deep roots."


Mr Sappio guided APL to a top market share position in the route between Asia and the US west coast, working closely with multinational customers and was APL's representative to carrier groups such as the Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement.


In 2010, Mr Sappio represented the industry at congressional hearings in Washington, DC, on container shipping.


"Bob's contributions working closely with me on issues not only of importance to our company, but the industry and our customers, were invaluable," said Mr Widdows. "He has helped us grow our business, improve our service and strengthen our relationships with many of the world's most important shippers. He leaves a lasting imprint on this company and parts with our thanks for a job well done."


Mr Sappio will be replaced in the transpacific by 22-year APL veteran Steve Schollaert, APL's executive vice president of intermodal strategy and former head of its Asia-Europe trade. Mr Schollaert, who has a background in operations and was also responsible for APL's terminals, will be based in Phoenix. He will report to liner trade management senior vice president Dave Appleton.


APL offers more than 80 weekly services and more than 500 calls at more than 140 ports worldwide. It combines intermodal operations.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)