(Pictured L-R: Essa Al-Saleh, Chris Price & Soren Poulsen)
Agility, a leading global logistics provider, announced today that the CEO of its Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) business, Essa Al-Saleh, will be stepping down after 13 years as CEO and 22 years with the company to pursue personal interests, but will continue to offer advisory support. He will be succeeded by industry veteran Chris Price, who will become GIL CEO on May 1.
“I am truly grateful to Essa for his foundational role in making Agility a leading player in our industry,” says Tarek Sultan, Agility vice chairman and CEO. “His partnership, dedication, and commitment to Agility’s journey stand out. His legacy is spearheading 40+ acquisitions and integrating these businesses into a single network of more than 18,000 employees, operating in 100+ countries, and contributing near $4 billion in revenue. Essa is a true leader: he built a strong company culture while driving consistent improvement in growth and profitability. He leaves Agility GIL in a position of strength.”
Successor Chris Price currently heads Agility’s nearly $1.5 billion Asia Pacific logistics business and has been with the company for 36 years. Before becoming Regional CEO for Asia, Price served in multiple leadership roles, including CEO Netherlands, CEO for the UK and Ireland, and CEO for Northern Europe, which included the Nordic countries.
“Chris has demonstrated extraordinary skill and leadership at every step,” says Sultan. “He is customer-centric and experienced in leading high-performing teams. Chris brings strategic vision and deep operational understanding to this role. His strong relationships in our business and with customers will help ensure a smooth transition.”
Soren Poulsen, currently head of Agility GIL North Asia, will succeed Price as regional CEO for Asia-Pacific. Poulsen joined Agility in 2014 as CEO Greater China, and later assumed the role of Area CEO for North Asia which includes Japan, Korea & Taiwan.
In addition to freight forwarding and contract logistics, Agility GIL also provides specialized logistics for projects, chemicals, and fairs and events. GIL also acts as a partner for Shipa Freight, the online freight forwarder founded by Agility to serve small and medium-size companies.
Agility is a global logistics company with $5.2 billion in annual revenue and 22,000+ employees in more than 100 countries. It is one of the world’s top freight forwarding and contract logistics providers, and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a pioneer in emerging markets and one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Agility’s subsidiary companies offer fuel logistics, airport services, commercial real estate and facilities management, customs digitization, and remote infrastructure services. For more info, visit www.agility.com
