Executive Moves: Panalpina, Port of Oakland and Greenbrier Cos.

Panalpina designates a new chairman and CEO, while the Port of Oakland names new aviation director and Greenbrier Cos.’s chief commercial officer departs.    Panalpina’s board has nominated Peter Ulber as chairman. He will succeed Rudolf W. Hug, who has served in this role since 2007. Ulber joined Panalpina from Kuehne + Nagel as president and chief executive officer in June 2013. Stefan Karlen, currently regional CEO for Asia Pacific, has been designated to succeed Ulber as the next CEO. The appointments are expected to become official at the Panalpina’s annual general meeting on May 10.

   The Port of Oakland has named Bryant L. Francis its new aviation director, effective March 31. Francis, who joins the port authority after serving as Long Beach Airport director, takes over as head of Oakland International Airport for Deborah Ale Flint who left last June to become CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. Francis will lead a staff of 216 responsible for the operation of the San Francisco Bay Area’s second-busiest airport.

   The Greenbrier Cos. said William Glenn, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, has left the company to pursue other opportunities, effective immediately. However, he will retain his role as president of Greenbrier Europe during a transition period. During his 13 years with the company, Glenn is credited with expanding Greenbrier’s North America, Europe and Middle East business.