HKSOA said in a press release that Sandy Chan will be appointed md on 1 December, following Bowring's retirement. Chan has many years of senior management experience in various sectors, as a business consultant, former ceo of the Hong Kong Estate Agents Authority and former Principal Assistant Secretary for Economic Development in the Government, specializing in strategic planning, policy analysis, trade negotiations and manpower development.
The leading representative organisation for Hong Kong's maritime community said the changes to its senior management personnel were made following an extensive review of long term succession planning.
In addition, Martin Cresswell will also join the HKSOA management team, where he will be taking on the role of technical director, which whilst not a full time position, will add to the association’s acknowledged skills in addressing the technical impact of the increased regulatory environment for shipowners.
Bowring joined the HKSOA as a consultant in 1995 prior to becoming md in 1997. He had been the face of the HKSOA on many fronts during his service there.
In an open letter to Bowring, current HKSOA chairman Sabrina Chao paid tribute to his tremendous contribution to Hong Kong shipping affairs both locally and abroad.
“For more than two decades you have represented Hong Kong across the world in ensuring that our shipping industry’s voice is heard and recognized. Whether it is in your work with the International Labour Organisation, the International Chamber of Shipping, the Maritime Services Training Board or the many other local, regional or international bodies on which you have represented the HKSOA, you have ensured that Hong Kong is a respected and vocal presence in maritime affairs," Chao said.
"Your efforts to promote the shipping industry to a new, younger audience through initiatives such as Maritime Week have helped ensure that we will have a continued stream of young people joining our industry, whilst your tireless promotion of Hong Kong has seen Hong Kong continue to be and grow as one of the world’s great maritime centres in a period of unprecedented change for the shipping industry. Our industry and Hong Kong as a whole owe you a debt of gratitude,” she concluded.
Meanwhile Chao welcomed Chan into the organisation. She said: “With her professional insights and wide exposure, Sandy brings to the table a broad level of experience in public and economic affairs in particular, which will help enhance the Association’s position in the community, and strengthen our representation in the national, regional, and international arena.”
In also welcoming Cresswell, Chao said: “Martin served as chairman of the HKSOA technical committee from 1998 to 2009 and we are delighted to welcome him back into the fold."
"More than four decades of experience with Swire Shipping, where he rose from Junior Engineer to Fleet Director, make him ideally qualified to guide the Association on the wide range of technical issues the industry is facing,” she noted.
“With Arthur’s continued involvement in the HKSOA, and Sandy and Martin joining us, we can look forward to a very bright future,” Chao concluded.
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