DP WORLD has announced the appointment of Jason Varsamidis as chief executive officer and managing director of its Asia Pacific region, effective immediately.
Mr Varsamidis will oversee the company’s ports, terminals and logistics businesses across 22 geographies, employing more than 12,000 people.
He brings almost three decades of experience with DP World and the former P&O Ports, which he joined in 1997.
Mr Varsamidis most recently served as chief financial officer of DP World Asia Pacific since 2020, with responsibility for the region’s strategy, investment agenda and business performance. Prior to that, he spent seven years as chief financial officer of DP World Australia.
His experience includes overseeing mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure projects and business turnaround programmes.
DP World said Mr Varsamidis would focus on regional strategy and operational performance, strengthening end-to-end supply chains and expanding its integrated logistics capabilities.
DP World group chief executive officer Yuvraj Narayan said the appointment would provide continuity for the business.
“Jason is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of our business and the markets in which we operate,” Mr Narayan said.
“His track record and commercial acumen make him well placed to lead Asia Pacific, one of our key growth engines. His appointment provides continuity for the business and keeps us firmly focused on our strategic priorities, our customers and our people.”
Mr Varsamidis said he was honoured to lead DP World in Asia Pacific.
“We have a strong business, talented people and real opportunities across this region,” Mr Varsamidis said.
“I’ll work closely with our leadership team and colleagues to maintain momentum, deliver for our customers and partners, and keep advancing our strategic priorities.”
Mr Varsamidis replaces former Adelaidian Glen Hilton, who reportedly resigned from the role in August. Mr Hilton is believed to be joining his former boss, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, at Malaysia’s MMC Ports, the holding company for six ports including Tanjung Pelepas, Johore, Northport and Penang.
Meanwhile, DP World has deployed 55 electric yard tractors at its Busan terminal in South Korea, replacing liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vehicles as part of efforts to reduce terminal emissions.
The electric tractors account for approximately 36% of the terminal’s 154-strong yard tractor fleet. DP World said the vehicles, used to move containers across the terminal, were expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70% per unit compared with the LNG-powered tractors they replace.
Image: DP World
The company said the change would also reduce the use and disposal of engine fluids, helping to minimise the risk of leaks and the environmental impact of terminal operations.
DP World Busan participates in South Korea’s Emissions Trading Scheme. The company said the deployment supported its emissions reduction efforts and South Korea’s broader ambitions for low-carbon logistics and port operations.
DP World Asia Pacific chief operating officer for ports and terminals Anders Dømmestrup said the deployment marked a milestone in the company’s efforts to reduce terminal emissions.
“Deploying these electric yard tractors marks an important milestone in DP World’s efforts to reduce emissions from terminal operations,” Mr Dømmestrup said.
“It shows how we can make progress on that goal while continuing to deliver the safe, efficient and reliable services our customers depend on.”
DP World said the electric tractors offered quieter operation, smoother acceleration and more consistent performance during frequent stop-start movements.
With fewer moving parts than their LNG-powered counterparts, the vehicles were also expected to require less maintenance, supporting equipment availability and operational efficiency.
DP World Busan plans to expand its use of electric equipment as part of longer-term efforts to reduce terminal emissions.
The deployment follows similar electrification initiatives across DP World’s global ports and terminals, including at the Port of Brisbane on Fisherman Islands, Manila South Harbour in the Philippines and Laem Chabang International Terminal in Thailand.