Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced that Vikas Mohammed Khan has stepped down as the company’s CEO to concentrate on strategy amid the current economic downturn. The company, which is based in both Dubai and Hong Kong, said that he will be replaced by Captain Romi Kaushal who will handle all of the day-to-day business while Khan will remain on the board of directors concentrating on “strategic manoeuvring and alliances and arrangements that will help the company through the coming storm.” Captain Kaushal is a master mariner with a diploma in business management.
“Captain Romi Kaushal brings with him 30 years of diverse experience in shipping. He has held several senior positions in commercial, operations, administration and finance,” a statement released by the company said. “His experience stems from placements in Asia, Australia, North and South America, Europe and the Middle East.”
ESL is a relative newcomer to the industry. Founded in 2006 by Khan, it was said to be the first shipping line started from scratch in over 20 years. The company has won accolades for it’s progressive thinking and service strategies.
Industry experts believe the move was required and bolsters Khan’s reputation as a shrewd operator. “I think it’s the absolute right move and addresses the seriousness of the current economic situation,” Jasamin Ficthe, managing partner of Ficthe & Co Legal Consultancy said.
“Vikas [Khan] will focus more on strategy and by stepping down as a CEO he will be able to keep ESL above water. If anyone is capable of developing new strategies, diversifying business and considering the right moves for the company, it will be Vikas. I can only say that I’m impressed by this transparent move.”
“Captain Romi Kaushal brings with him 30 years of diverse experience in shipping. He has held several senior positions in commercial, operations, administration and finance,” a statement released by the company said. “His experience stems from placements in Asia, Australia, North and South America, Europe and the Middle East.”
ESL is a relative newcomer to the industry. Founded in 2006 by Khan, it was said to be the first shipping line started from scratch in over 20 years. The company has won accolades for it’s progressive thinking and service strategies.
Industry experts believe the move was required and bolsters Khan’s reputation as a shrewd operator. “I think it’s the absolute right move and addresses the seriousness of the current economic situation,” Jasamin Ficthe, managing partner of Ficthe & Co Legal Consultancy said.
“Vikas [Khan] will focus more on strategy and by stepping down as a CEO he will be able to keep ESL above water. If anyone is capable of developing new strategies, diversifying business and considering the right moves for the company, it will be Vikas. I can only say that I’m impressed by this transparent move.”