Crowley Names New Chief Information Officer
Crowley Maritime has named Erika Graziuso as its chief information officer, the company announced Oct. 26.
In her new role, Graziuso is to lead Crowley’s information technology and digital transformation strategy with a key focus on digital solutions, cybersecurity and responsible data management, according to the company.
Graziuso previously served as global chief information officer for human resources solutions firm LHH, and group senior vice president of technology for recruitment company the Adecco Group. There, her efforts resulted in digital solutions to support new market trends.
Graziuso also previously served as cluster head for Western and Southern Europe with Deutsche Bank Group Technology & Operations for Investment Banking. She was responsible for optimizing and scaling the adoption of new processes and technologies.
Graziuso holds a master’s degree in financial institutions from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, and completed the Global Leadership Program at ISEI Business School in Shanghai, China.
“Erika brings a demonstrated track record of driving innovation that helps corporations prepare for the opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow,” company Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley said. “As Crowley expands its technological capabilities to exceed the demands of a constantly changing landscape, Erika’s mastery of leading global teams in diverse markets will help us realize our full potential through leveraging technology and digital transformation.”
Crowley Names New Vice President of Sustainability
Crowley has promoted Meaghan Atkinson to the role of vice president of sustainability. In her new position, Atkinson leads Crowley’s efforts to decarbonize across the company’s operations and value chain to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
As vice president, she leads the company’s efforts to build partnerships across its industries and value chain to fulfill Crowley’s sustainability commitments.
In her prior role as director of sustainability and regulatory affairs, Atkinson spearheaded the creation of the company’s first greenhouse gas inventory, and played an integral role in publishing Crowley’s first sustainability report.
Her work led to the company’s submittal of its first emission reduction goals to the Science Based Targets initiative as a step towards Crowley’s 2050 net-zero commitment.
Prior to joining Crowley, Atkinson spent more than 15 years managing sustainability programs for organizations including CSX Corporation and the state of Florida Department of Military Affairs.
Her industry leadership includes expertise in sustainability strategy and best management practice, environmental regulation and management, ESG reporting and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification, according to Crowley.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences from Stockton University.
Svitzer Announces New COO, Managing Director
Global towage provider Svitzer, an A.P. Moller-Maersk subsidiary, on Oct. 27 announced two senior leadership appointments, with Kasper Karlsen becoming the company’s global chief operating officer and Deniz Kirdar True assuming the role of managing director in the AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa) region.
Karlsen has been with Svitzer since 2020, holding the role of regional COO in Europe and standing in as UK managing director following the merger of the UK North and South clusters in June 2022.
He has held different leadership positions in the A.P. Moller-Maersk group over the last 15 years and takes on the new role of global COO beginning Dec. 1.
“Helping to shape the future of Svitzer’s global operations with the aim of delivering excellent service while further progressing our environmental responsibility will be an exciting challenge,” Karlsen said.
“Kasper will help spearhead Svitzer’s ambitions as a strong industry leader within decarbonization while driving operational agility,” the company said in a statement.
Kirdar True joined Svitzer in 2014 as COO in the Europe region and held the role of head of operational excellence before moving to the Australia region as general manager for the East Coast in 2020.
She has worked in shipping for almost 20 years and has broad managerial experience and a notable performance track record across a number of different regions, sector areas and functions, according to Svitzer.
She will lead the company’s growth strategy in the AMEA region, Svitzer said.
“I look forward to working with the team to continue providing safe and sustainable marine services and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Kirdar True said. “I am excited to create opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and thrive, play a part in value creation for our customers and the communities we serve and contribute to achieving Svitzer’s growth ambitions in the region.”
Washington Public Ports Association Announces Staffing Changes
The Washington Public Ports Association in late October announced staffing changes to continue supporting its mission and promise to advocate, educate and connect to serve its member ports.
Chris Herman, Senior Director of Trade and Transportation, has been promoted to Deputy Director. His responsibilities will include WPPA’s legislative agenda and supporting and serving as alternate for the executive director.
Herman has managed WPPA’s government relations and trade program since 2016. He has worked in logistics and supply chain for 20 years and has experience working in all facets of the management of goods movement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on transportation and logistics from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul.
Tasha Cilurso, WPPA’s business manager, now has the additional responsibility of auditor. She has a direct line of accountability to the association’s executive committee and helps provide independent support and assurance of risk management, governance and internal controls.
Cilurso, who joined WPPA in 2016, is responsible for the administration of office operations, financial, personnel and building management. Her background includes a diversity of public and private sector experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington.
Mandy Lill is expected to join joins WPPA on Jan. 1, 2023 as member development and engagement manager. Lill is to be the primary connection for members and partners, and responsible for providing communication and administrative support as well as managing meetings and conferences.
She has 14 years of experience in the port industry and most recently served as a marketing specialist for Ecological Land Services (ELS), an environmental consulting firm and WPPA member. Before joining ELS, Lill supported WPPA and its members for nearly seven years as the association’s member services manager. Her background includes administrative, project, and logistics management.
“We have an incredible team of professionals who are advancing the ongoing work of WPPA and meeting the needs of our members and partners, while at the same time working to shape our future,” Interim Executive Director Patsy Martin said. “We are very appreciative of their diligence, creativity, and hard work on behalf of the association and our members.
“And we are so pleased to welcome Mandy Lill back to the WPPA team in January. Her knowledge of and dedication to our industry is an exciting addition as we continue to grow our team.”
United Seamen’s Service’s 53rd Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards Presented
In late October, the United Seamen’s Service’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards were presented to Edward W. Aldridge, President of CMA-CGM North America and American President Lines; Harold J. Daggett, President of the international Longshoremen’s Association; and Eric P. Ebeling, President and CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group.
The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus —the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea—was accepted by the three honorees before a crowd of nearly 950 at a gala dinner and dance on Oct. 28 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
“We honor tonight three extraordinary Americans who have made a positive impact on America’s maritime industry,” LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chairman, USS AOTOS Committee, and host of the evening, noted.
In acceptance remarks, each recipient offered the usual words of appreciation to family, friends, mentors and USS. They each also addressed issues concerning the logistics and supply chain industry.
“Everyone would agree that the maritime industry is under tremendous transformation,” Aldridge said. “This means it is now more important than ever for us to take care of the industry by attracting new talent and mentoring the next generation of leaders—both on land and on sea.”
“The time is now,” he continued, “for us as leaders to ignite a fire and get the message out about the maritime industry’s vital role in the supply chain and the many dynamic career opportunities that exist. We frankly need to inspire more of the next generation to join the family, and the future of the maritime industry depends on us getting it done.”
In his remarks, Daggett spoke about the industry’s A-word.
“Automation—that’s a code word for unemployment,” he said. “The ILA (International Longshoremen’s Union) has pledged to USMX (United States Maritime Alliance) that we will outproduce any automated equipment.”
A lifelong friend of Daggett, Anthony S. Scioscia, presented him with his AOTOS.
In his remarks, Ebeling said that the U.S.-flag fleet and merchant marine are dependent on smart and proper maritime legislation, and that most of the nation’s most effective policy planks and enhancements have come in the wake of the nation’s wars.
“From the buildup, sustainment, surge and drawdowns in Afghanistan and Iraq, through the depths of Covid-19, and in Europe today in support of the U.S. and NATO mission supporting Ukraine, we deliver,” Ebeling remarked. “The U.S.-flag commercial fleet in international trade remains a best value for reliable, cost-effective national defense sealift, providing an active modern fleet and thousands of good-paying jobs to merchant mariners that also support the reserve fleet in time of need and global sealift and logistics reach.”
Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. merchant marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military overseas.