Sakura Kuma joins APM Terminals as new CEO of terminal operations in Japan

APM Terminals has appointed Sakura Kuma (pictured above) as the new chief executive of its Japan operations.

“She will play a key role in the acceleration of our strategic transformation and lead the development of our business at the recently expanded Minami Honmoku terminals (MC1-4) in Yokohama,” said Tim Smith, head of terminals, Asia at APM Terminals.

Prior to joining APM Terminals, Ms Kuma held several leadership positions within marketing and sales, business development and corporate management at NYK.

“With nearly two decades spent in the port, shipping and logistics industries, Sakura brings extensive experience, strong management skills and a proven record of business development,” Mr Smith added.

Ms Kuma said: “I am excited to join APM Terminals, a great company with a significant international portfolio. There is so much ports can do to deliver synergies and contribute to AP Møller-Maersk’s core strategy of integrated container logistics. I am looking forward to joining the team and it will be absolutely thrilling to become the first female CEO in a Japanese port.”

Last year, APM Terminals Japan won a tender for a 10-year agreement with the Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP) to increase berth capacity at its Yokohama terminal by adding two additional large berths (MC3 and MC4), giving APMT a strong competitive edge as the only terminal operator in the greater Tokyo area capable of handling vessels up to 20,000 teu.

The development will increase terminal volumes from 1.1m teu to 2.1m teu and is expected to serve as platform for attracting additional liner customers.