Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced a significant leadership transition as it moves into its next phase of global growth. Till Ole Barrelet will join the company as CEO-designate on May 1, 2026, officially succeeding Jeremy Nixon as Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2026. Following the handover, Nixon will remain with the company as a Senior Advisor.
The transition marks the end of an era for Jeremy Nixon, the founding CEO who led the complex integration of the container businesses of K Line, MOL, and NYK into a unified global entity in 2018. Under his leadership, ONE has grown into a top-tier carrier with a fleet exceeding 260 vessels and a capacity of over two million TEUs.
Introducing a new leadership structure
To support its “ONE2030” strategic priorities, the company is also restructuring its management to foster closer global collaboration:
-
Executive Management Team: A new structure consisting of the CEO and seven divisional representatives.
-
Regional Leadership: Six regional leaders will report directly to the CEO, creating a robust global matrix.
-
Strategic Vision: The new structure is designed to drive operational excellence and navigate the industry’s evolving logistics landscape.
Background on Till Ole Barrelet
Barrelet brings over two decades of experience to ONE, having most recently served as the CEO of Emirates Shipping Line (ESL). His background spans ship owning, financing, and trade development across key markets in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
“Jeremy’s contribution to Ocean Network Express has been extraordinary… establishing our corporate culture and market position. After a comprehensive search, Till emerged as the clear choice to lead ONE’s next chapter.” — Jotaro Tamura, Chairman of the Board of Directors
A legacy of transformation
Jeremy Nixon noted that leading ONE since “Day One” has been the defining chapter of his career, expressing pride in the company’s resilience through unprecedented global challenges. Incoming CEO Barrelet emphasized his commitment to maintaining service excellence while leveraging ONE’s modern fleet and financial strength to achieve long-term growth.
This planned transition is intended to be seamless, with no impact on customers or stakeholders as the company moves toward its 2030 objectives.
