Pacific International Lines (PIL) has appointed Wan Chee Foong as Deputy Chief Executive Officer as part of a planned leadership succession at the Singapore-based container shipping company.
Wan will take up the Deputy CEO role on 5 October 2026 before succeeding Lars Kastrup as CEO in April 2027.
Kastrup will remain CEO during the six-month transition period and will subsequently serve as an advisor to PIL’s Board.
Six-month leadership transition
During the handover, Wan will work alongside Kastrup and PIL’s senior leadership team. He will progressively assume responsibility for the group’s commercial, operational and strategic priorities.
PIL said its existing senior leadership team will remain unchanged.
Wan brings nearly three decades of experience across transportation, ports, logistics, investment and strategy.
He previously held several senior positions at PSA International, including Regional CEO for the Middle East and South Asia and Head of Group Business & Commercial Development. He also served as CEO of PSA BDP.
Wan currently serves as Managing Director, Corporate Strategy at Temasek.
“I am honoured by the Board’s trust and excited to build on the strong platform Lars and the PIL team have established,” said Wan.
“My immediate focus is to ensure a smooth handover, while working with colleagues, customers and partners to deepen PIL’s network, strengthen customer trust and build its next chapter as Singapore’s premier global shipping company.”
PIL highlights fleet and financial growth
Kastrup joined PIL in 2020 and became CEO in July 2022 following more than 40 years in container shipping.
During his tenure, PIL’s EBITDA increased from US$558 million in 2023 to US$1.50 billion in 2025. Net profit after tax reached US$1.04 billion in 2025 on revenue of US$4.27 billion.
According to PIL, its 2026 performance is on track to exceed the previous year.
The carrier has also increased its fleet capacity by more than 50% to approximately 500,000 TEUs.
Ten LNG dual-fuel vessels had been delivered by the first half of 2026, while another 18 LNG dual-fuel newbuildings and 14 long-term charter vessels are scheduled for delivery through 2029.
The fleet renewal programme is designed to replace up to half of PIL’s fleet within the next five years.
PIL has also expanded its network of wholly owned and controlled agencies, which now handle approximately 98% of its cargo volume.
“With that foundation in place, this is the right time to hand over,” said Kastrup.
“Chee Foong brings the experience and judgement to take PIL into its next chapter, and the ships we ordered will arrive on his watch.”
PIL will mark its 60th anniversary in 2027.
