After years of leading the organisation, President Lee announced his retirement during a board meeting. The decision marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for ITCO.
A journey of expansion and collaboration
President Lee’s involvement with ITCO traces back to its inception in 1998 when they became one of the founder members. He witnessed the organisation’s early days under the leadership of Jeremy Bergbaum, who served as the first president until 2003. Following Bergbaum’s tenure, president Lee was elected to take the helm upon his retirement from Stolt.
However, in 2009, president Lee resigned from his role amid disagreements with the board’s vision for ITCO. They advocated for expanding the organisation’s reach into the Asia-Pacific market and including companies from Asia, recognising the region’s rapid growth and potential. Unfortunately, concerns over heightened competition prevailed at that time, leading to president Lee’s departure.
Undeterred, president Lee, alongside Graham Wood, established the Asia Tank Container Organisation (@TCO) in 2010. They aimed to foster the development and expansion of the thriving Asia tank container market, where China emerged as the leading manufacturer of tank containers. The Asian market showcased remarkable growth, with numerous regional and global expansions by Asian tank operators.
Reuniting for a unified future
In a surprising turn of events in 2016, President Lee received an invitation to return to ITCO as its president. Recognising the potential benefits of a united front, he decided to merge ITCO and @TCO in 2017, forming a single tank container organisation as it should have been from the beginning.
Today, ITCO boasts an impressive membership of nearly 200 companies and remains the sole representative of the worldwide tank container industry. The organisation continues to experience rapid growth, further solidifying its position as an influential player in the sector.
A grateful farewell and future prospects
With his retirement approaching, President Lee expressed his gratitude to ITCO’s members and the friends made throughout his time at the organisation. He credited the unwavering support and encouragement received as the driving force behind the achievements made during his tenure. Additionally, President Lee acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Patrick and Kate, the dedicated ITCO team who played a crucial role in the organisation’s success and will continue to do so for years to come.
The transition and looking ahead
As the year draws to a close, the focus now shifts to the selection of a new president who will guide ITCO into its next stage of development. President Lee affirmed his commitment to assisting the board in this critical decision-making process. The transition is set to take effect on 1st January 2024, when the new president assumes their role and charts the future course of ITCO.
With the impending change in leadership, the tank container industry awaits the fresh perspectives and strategies that will shape ITCO’s trajectory. As the organisation enters this new era, it remains poised to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, building upon the foundation laid during the remarkable tenure of President Lee.