Nixon resigns at ONE

Leadership Transition Announced at Ocean Network Express

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has revealed that Jeremy Nixon, its founding Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down as part of a planned leadership change that could mark a new chapter for the container shipping sector.

Till Ole Barrelet, currently the CEO of Emirates Shipping Line, is set to join ONE, headquartered in Singapore, as CEO-Designate on May 1. He will officially take over as CEO on July 1, with Nixon transitioning to the role of senior advisor at that time.

Since April 2018, Nixon has overseen the unification of Japanese shipping companies K Line, MOL, and NYK, which led to the creation of ONE. The company, recognized for its distinctive pink containers, has grown to become the world’s sixth-largest carrier, operating 260 ships with a total capacity of 2.1 million TEUs—representing 6% of the global market.

Barrelet, age 49, brings over two decades of experience in the maritime and logistics industries. He has led Emirates Shipping Line as CEO since 2022 and possesses extensive knowledge in ship ownership, financing, container transport, and trade development across regions including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Emirates Shipping Line currently ranks 20th among global carriers, with a fleet capacity of 116,000 TEUs.

New Management Structure for ONE

To support its future growth, ONE will introduce a revised executive management structure. This new team will consist of the CEO and seven leaders from various divisions, with six regional heads also reporting to Barrelet.

According to the company, “This broader leadership team will strengthen collaboration throughout ONE’s global operations,” emphasizing that the transition is carefully planned and will not disrupt service for customers or partners.

Tributes and Reflections

Jotaro Tamura, chairman of the board at Ocean Network Express Holdings Ltd., praised Nixon’s leadership, stating, “Jeremy’s impact on ONE has been remarkable. As our first CEO, he was instrumental in building our company’s culture and market presence. We are sincerely thankful for his vision and dedication in shaping a robust and resilient organization.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Nixon shared, “Leading ONE from its inception has been the highlight of my career. Together with a talented team, we have achieved remarkable milestones—overcoming significant challenges, investing in sustainable innovations, and fostering a culture focused on service excellence. The time is right for new leadership, and I am confident in Till’s ability to guide ONE into the future.”

Industry Context and Outlook

This leadership change comes at a crucial moment for the container shipping industry. Shifts in trade policy, particularly those affecting China, are reshaping global commerce and the logistics networks that support it. Shipping companies are adapting to a new landscape marked by economic and geopolitical uncertainty following the post-pandemic boom.

Questions about the industry’s ability to maintain consistent profitability have resurfaced, prompting further structural adjustments. Earlier this month, Hapag-Lloyd acquired Israel’s Zim in a merger of two top ten carriers, a move expected to accelerate industry consolidation. Analysts note that it remains uncertain which carriers outside the top five will have the financial strength to remain independent in the evolving market.