Tomoo Kitayama, President and William (Bill) Payne, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of NYK Line (North America), Inc. announced senior management changes within the US corporate structure of NYK Line effective April 1, 2009. "Today's tough business environment requires the right team to be in the right place to tackle the challenges head on,' remarked Bill Payne.

The following positions are all domiciled at the company's Secaucus, NJ headquarters.

Gregory Tuthill will become the head of the Trade organization, as Vice President of Trade Management.

Melvina Wong-Zaza will become the Vice President of Customer Service, inclusive of Documentation services.

Richard Breffeilh will become Vice President of Operations, leading the Asset Management, Truck/Rail and Marine divisions of the organization.

Chris Capodanno will be the Vice President of Sales, with overall sales responsibility for both the regional and Global Sales Group teams.

Bill Niemann, currently Senior Vice President Sales, will remain in Secaucus until on or about July 1 to aid NYK through the organizational transition during this critical time for our business. Thereafter, he will continue in an advisory role so that his expertise and leadership can continue to add value to the NYK Group.