Huxley cites ‘disagreement among senior management’ for his shock Wah Kwong departure
Tim Huxley has told Splash “a disagreement among senior management” was the reason for his surprise departure as ceo of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings.
Huxley, who had been with Wah Kwong for nearly nine years, quit the Hong Kong shipping line early last month and is now looking at other positions in the local shipping scene, as well as pushing his own vehicle, Mandarin Shipping, which he launched 10 years ago, having left brokers Clarkson.
Huxley described his decision to quit the Chao family controlled firm as “very sad”. He declined to elaborate on the specific disagreement, but said it did not involve Chao family members.
“The tall trees catch the most wind,” Huxley said, quoting a Dutch saying, explaining that his time at the line was always going to come to an end sooner or later.
“I am uncertain about what to do in longer term although we have great hopes for Mandarin Shipping,” Huxley said. Mandarin has a variety of well known backers including the Chaos, Caravel and China Navigation and has recently started taking delivery of a series of 1,700 teu ships from a yard in China.
Huxley appears keen for another shipping posting, as well as continuing to oversee the growth of Mandarin, telling Splash: “It is an opportunity for me. I hope there is some value of having 27 years experience in Asian shipping.”
In concluding, Huxley wished his former company well in the future. “Wah Kwong is 64 years old, it is still one of the strongest shipping names in Hong Kong. It has the right assets, staff and customers for when markets turn around.”
Sabrina Chao, chairman of Wah Kwong, did not reply to Splash inquiries.
Nine years is a long time in shipping.
And a week is a long time in politics, Andrew!