New director brings more than 25 years' experience in international trade

The Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has appointed James J. Kwon as its new Director of Maritime. Mr. Kwon was previously the President and CEO of Total Terminals International, LLC in Long Beach, California. The Commission announced the appointment of Mr. Kwon at its regular meeting Tuesday, August 7, 2007.

'James Kwon has extensive international trade experience which will be of great benefit to the Port of Oakland in his new role as Director of Maritime,' said Port Board President Anthony Batarse. 'We believe that his expertise in the ocean carrier and container industry will help maintain the Port of Oakland's position as one of the nation's largest container ports in the country and its significance as an international gateway,' he added.

As the Director of Maritime, Mr. Kwon will be responsible for the operations, management, and marketing of the Maritime Division for the Port, which includes planning and development of maritime terminal facilities. He is filling a position left vacant by former Maritime Director Wilson Lacy, who left the Port of Oakland earlier this year.

While serving as President and CEO of Total Terminals International (TTI), Mr. Kwon was primarily responsible for building a terminal-operating company which now has container terminals at three major West coast ports: Oakland, Long Beach and Seattle. During his tenure, he helped TTI grow its revenue by as much as 250%, and its total container volumes by 30%.

Prior to TTI, Mr. Kwon was also a sales manager for Hanjin Shipping Company, marketing director for Palmco Corporation and district sales manager for United States Shipping Lines.

'I am very pleased that James will be assuming the position as Director of Maritime,' said Executive Director Omar Benjamin. 'Over the next several years, the Port will be facing numerous challenges as activity at the Port continues to increase and James will play a significant role in the Port's ability to meet the needs of our customers and our community. He will be leading a great team of Maritime staff in meeting all of these challenges in the years ahead.'

Mr. Kwon is married with two children. He possesses a Kendo Master certification (4th degree black belt) and he can speak both Korean and Chinese.