Panalpina’s board of directors has nominated Peter Ulber (pictured) as the company’s new chairman, succeeding Dr Rudolf Hug. Ulber is currently CEO of the company. Panalpina will vote on his next appointment at its upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) to be held on May 10, 2016. Stefan Karlen, currently regional CEO for Asia Pacific, has been designated to succeed Ulber as the next CEO.
After the AGM, Ulber will continue as CEO until Karlen takes over during the latter part of the year.
Dr Hug has served as chairman since 2007 but will not stand for re-election due to the age limitation in the company’s bylaws.
“During his tenure, Dr Hug was instrumental in setting the strategy for Panalpina and turning it into the highly professional and bottom-line focused company it is today,” said vice chairman, Beat Walti. “Peter Ulber’s nomination will ensure continuity and a seamless transition; and we are convinced that he will be a most capable chairman.”
Additionally, Ulber will be nominated to succeed Dr Hug as a member of the board of trustees of Ernst Göhner Foundation, Panalpina’s controlling shareholder.
Ulber joined Panalpina in June 2013 as president and CEO. He moved from rival logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel where he held various management positions in Europe and the Americas from 1985 to 2011.
“The board and I are confident that Peter Ulber, with his extensive knowledge of the industry, is the right candidate to guarantee the future growth and success for Panalpina,” said Hug. “After almost a decade at Panalpina’s helm, I leave knowing that the company will be in good hands and well positioned to deliver long-term value.”
Karlen joined Panalpina in 1997 and has held various positions spanning across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Asia Pacific. According to the company he has played a key role in Panalpina’s international expansion. In 2012, he became the managing director for South East Asia before assuming the position of regional CEO for Asia Pacific in 2013.
