Poulsen named CEO at Rickmers-Linie (America)

   Waldemar (Val) Poulsen has been named president and chief executive officer of Rickmers-Linie (America) Inc., based in Houston, effective July 1. Before joining Rickmers-Linie, Poulsen was director/country manager with Safmarine in Houston, responsible for the activities of the multipurpose division of Safmarine in the Americas.
   He replaces Robert Sappio, who has been heading Rickmers-Linie (America) since September 2012. Sappio will remain connected to the company as a member of the board.
   Rickmers-Linie specializes in worldwide project and heavy-lift liner services, and is continuing to streamline operations.
   Ulrich Ulrichs, CEO of Rickmers-Linie, said Sappio had an instrumental role in transforming and improving the company’s operations in the Americas.
   “Bob’s leadership over the last two years has helped to better position our company for the future in the Americas. We are happy he will remain connected to the company in a board role,” said Ulrichs. “We are looking forward to Val Poulsen joining our team. He brings a wealth of experience from Maersk Line and Safmarine to his new role as president and CEO of Rickmers-Linie (America). I am confident that Mr. Poulsen will be a valuable asset to the Rickmers organisation.”
   Earlier this year, Maersk Line, Limited, and Rickmers-Linie (Americas) ended a joint venture, Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier, which had operated two multipurpose ships, after concluding that market conditions were not favorable for the service.