Stramer, head of Zim’s North American operation, dies

Stramer, head of Zim’s North American operation, dies    Tommy Stramer, president and chief executive officer of Zim American Integrated Shipping Services Co., died suddenly in Norfolk, Va., Saturday evening. He was 59 years old.
   Stramer, a 30-year veteran of the Israeli ocean carrier, was known for his outspokenness on industry topics. He and his company were quick to throw their support behind Dubai Ports World when it came under fire from U.S. lawmakers earlier this year. Many in Congress attacked DP World’s attempt to acquire a number of U.S. marine terminals, alleging it was a threat to national security.
   “He was a personality in the industry,” said Gordon Kay, senior vice president for sales and marketing for Zim-American Israeli Shipping Co., based in Norfolk. “This is a major blow to the company.”
   “He was a good friend, a straight-shooter,” said Ken Johns, president of New York-based R.K. Johns & Associates. “It’s indeed a loss for the industry.”
   Stramer, who took over Zim’s American operations in October 2004, also became an active voice in port activities in Norfolk.
   “He worked closely with the local community,” said Joe Dorto, chief executive officer of Virginia International Terminals. “He had an attitude that we can fix it.”
   Stramer most recently oversaw the establishment of a joint service from Asia to the U.S. East Coast between Zim and newly formed liner carrier Emirates Shipping Line.
   Stramer’s body was flown back to Israel on Monday for burial. Zim’s senior management is holding meetings this week to determine a successor, Kay said.