Matson Navigation Company Chairman James S. Andrasick is retiring from
the company, effective September 1, 2009. Andrasick has been Matson’s
chairman since October 2008 and was the company’s president and chief
executive officer from 2002 through 2008. During his tenure at the helm
of Matson, Andrasick oversaw a number of major initiatives, including
the construction of four new containerships, the start up of a new China
service, the growth of the subsidiary, Matson Integrated Logistics, and
the promotion of "green” programs both at sea and on land. Prior to his
Matson responsibilities, Andrasick served as chief financial officer and
treasurer of Matson’s parent company, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., from
2000 – 2003.
Andrasick led Matson through a number of challenges and transitions,
including the 2002 West Coast lock-out and its considerable impact on
Matson’s service, as well as the relocation of the company’s
headquarters from San Francisco to Oakland in 2003. 2003 also marked the
entry of the first of four new containerships to the Matson fleet, with
Andrasick closely involved in the historic investment for Matson.
Andrasick’s role in this major undertaking began with his CFO position
at A&B and continued as he assumed the responsibilities of president and
CEO of Matson. The investment of over $500 million in new ships allowed
Matson to upgrade its fleet, ensuring modern, reliable service for its
core market, Hawaii, for decades to come. In addition, the vessels have
been deployed in Matson’s Guam service. Equally important, the new ships
were deployed in the company’s China – Long Beach Express, which marked
the entry of Matson into the international container trade.
"During Jim Andrasick’s career at Matson, the company was able to
demonstrate how an American carrier operating U.S.-built vessels can
compete in the highly competitive China trade,” said Allen Doane,
chairman and CEO, A&B. "Since the service was launched in February 2006,
Matson has been consistently recognized as one of the best carriers in
the world in delivering on time performance. The initiative required a
major across-the-board effort at Matson and that achievement has not
only contributed to its recent success, but will have an important role
in the company’s growth and development in the future.”
Since 2002, Andrasick was also involved in the growth and development of
Matson Integrated Logistics. The company expanded significantly through
a number of acquisitions, including TransAmerica, Aquitaine, and PACAM.
In addition, MIL launched a new subsidiary, Matson Global Distribution
Services (Matson Global) in 2007. As a result, revenue for the company
increased from $122 million in 2001 to $435 million in 2008. The company
has also supported Matson’s ocean transportation services and partnered
on key initiatives such as the China service.
"Jim has had an instrumental role in transforming Matson Integrated
Logistics from a company recognized for intermodal transportation to a
business unit that is today recognized as a leader in the logistics
industry,” Doane added.
Andrasick has also helped advance Matson’s position as an industry
leader in promoting "green” initiatives both at sea and on land.
"Matson’s efforts here have clearly gone far beyond today’s stringent
requirements,” said Andrasick. "In many instances, Matson has
demonstrated leadership in areas pertaining to offshore environmental
protection by partnering with various regulatory agencies and equipment
manufacturers on environmental studies and projects.” In 2006, Matson
was honored with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rear Admiral William M. Benkert
Marine Environmental Award for Excellence.
Andrasick’s contributions to Matson and the maritime industry resulted
in him being honored in 2007 with the prestigious United Seamen’s
Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS). His industry experience
has also included service as director of the Pacific Maritime
Association since 2002.
Andrasick has also been a strong supporter of A&B and Matson’s
commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. He has chaired
the A&B Foundation’s Mainland Committee since 2002. He is a trustee of
the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation and the San Francisco National Maritime
Park Association. He has also been actively involved with Mills College
in Oakland, serving as a trustee and vice-chair of their finance
committee, as well as initiating the Matson scholarship for residents of
Hawaii and Guam, funded by the A&B Foundation. In addition to his A&B
service in Hawaii, Andrasick served for 10 years as president of C.
Brewer & Co.; during his time as a resident of Hawaii, he served as
chairman of the University of Hawaii Foundation, American Red Cross –
Hawaii State Chapter, Hawaii Employers Council, and Hawaii Agricultural
Research Corporation.
"Jim Andrasick provided strong leadership for Matson during a very
important time for the company,” said Matt Cox, president, Matson. "His
accomplishments have been wide ranging and enduring. All of us at Matson
appreciate the support and guidance he has given the company’s
management team since 2002. Both Matson Navigation Company and Matson
Integrated Logistics have strengthened their positions within their
respective markets as a result of initiatives that were implemented
under Jim’s watch.”
"It has been my privilege to know Jim for more than thirty years,” noted
Doane. "We have been fortunate to have him at A&B and Matson for nearly
a decade and are deeply appreciative of the many contributions to the
Company.”
Matson provides ocean transportation services to Hawaii, Guam, China and
Micronesia, as well as logistics services through its subsidiary, Matson
Integrated Logistics. Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander &
Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu (NYSE:ALEX).
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