53 Peter Voser, PSA International
Former Shell chief Peter Voser will look to build on the firm foundations laid by Fock Siew Wah, who he describes as "a beacon of inspiration". Expanding the PSA group into the logistics space will be top of the agenda as he takes up the mantle
Chairman takes over from his legendary predecessor, who steered PSA with a steady hand for more than two decades
HAVING held reign over PSA International for more than a decade, Fock Siew Wah retired in mid-2019 to make way for his deputy Peter Voser as chairman of the Singaporean operator.
The former chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell has big shoes to fill. Mr Fock has led the group from being a regional to a truly global player, in a journey of growth, internationalisation and transformation.
Mr Voser, who is also interim chief executive of Swiss-Swedish multinational ABB, described Mr Fock as a “beacon of inspiration” upon his appointment, noting the firm foundations set as he heads up the next chapter.
The PSA Group’s global footprint has grown to its current-day span of more than 50 coastal, inland and rail terminals in 17 countries, and volumes have doubled to more than 80m teu annually from the beginning of Mr Fock's stewardship.
On an equity basis, the group handled more than 60m teu in 2018, according to data compiled by Drewry.
Mr Voser has been charged with providing a sustainable growth trajectory for the group, while helping it develop in the supply chain space.
Pivotal to this role will be digital products that PSA will champion through its venture capital arm unboXed. The facility was established to partner alongside third-party vendors in everything from 3D printing to blockchain.
However, PSA’s speciality is ports. The group’s expansion from its bread and butter activity shows little sign of slowing down.
The latest venture is in Gdansk, Poland, where it recently revealed plans to bring its development in line with the long-established ports in Europe’s northern range.
Mr Voser will also oversee the initial switch of operations at the group’s flagship facility in Singapore from its longstanding location away from the confines of the city to its new home, the Tuas mega port, where digital and automated port process are promised to set new boundaries.
This appears a daunting task, but one thing PSA can never be accused of is lacking ambition. It’s not in its nature.
This is Mr Voser's first appearance in the Top 100. PSA appeared in the Top 100 in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
