MOL (Asia) Ltd has announced a string of new appointments at its Asia Liner regional headquarters in Hong Kong and in other parts of Asia that are under its jurisdiction after promoting a number of senior executives. The new posts take immediate effect.

"MOL believes a mix of Japanese and local nationals in the work force with international orientation, outlook and background is crucial to maintain and expand our business around the globe," said MOL (Asia) chairman and managing director Michael Goh.

Connie Or, the former general manager of the group's Asia human resources, general affairs and corporate communications, has been promoted to director of MOL Liner Ltd. She will continue to concurrently manage Asia HR, general affairs and corporate communication functions and oversee MOL Liner's global human resources activities, a statement from the group said.

Tomoyuki Suzuki, previously general manager of MOL Liner Accounting Group, succeeds Yutaka Hinooka as senior vice president of liner administration of MOL Liner Ltd and director of Asia Finance and Administration. Mr Suzuki will also supervise Asia's Systems and Business Process teams.

Teiichiro Shinoda, the former senior vice president of MOL Liner Marketing and Sales and Asia Sales/Customer Service and Key Account Management, succeeds Taku Kadooka as regional director of the North Asia region with responsibilities to oversee Japan and Korea. He has also been appointed director of the board of MOL Japan. Mr Shinoda will be based in Tokyo and report on North Asia regional matters to Mr Goh.

Ryusuke Kimura, in addition to leading MOL Liner's Reefer and Special Equipment Business Teams in Hong Kong, is also heading up MOL Liner Marketing and Sales and Asia's Sales/Customer Service and Key Account management teams. For the Asia functions, Mr Kimura will report to Mr Goh.

Louis Tang, previously senior vice president of Asia and Oceania Trade Management of MOL Liner Ltd, has succeeded Hiroshi Ogawa as regional director of Central Asia, which covers China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. He will also be president and managing director of MOL (China) Co. Ltd and managing director for both MOL (HK) Agency Ltd and MOL (Taiwan) Co. Ltd. Mr Tang will be based in Shanghai and report to Mr Goh.

Ms Yamby Lun, the former general manager of North America and Europe Sales Team of MOL (HK) Agency Ltd, has succeeded Masaru Satose as district director with responsibilities covering South China, Hong Kong and Macau. Ms Lun will be based in Hong Kong and report to Mr Tang.

Mr Jose Juan Lacson, who currently is the head of MOL Philippines Sales and Customer Service Team, is replacing Cesar Tiutan as country director of MOL Philippines, effective August 15. Mr Lacson has more than 20 years' knowledge and expertise in the shipping industry. He will be based in Manila and report to Sundeep Sibal, regional director of ASEAN South and Oceania.