Fund management company AP Møller Capital, which acquired Vector Logistics from food producer RCL Foods in August, has appointed Keith Pienaar as Vector Logistics CEO.

With the appointment, the business is well-positioned to accelerate Vector’s mission of going beyond in supply chain expertise and logistics services, and to handle expansion opportunities to meet the growing demand for cold storage logistics in Southern Africa.

Vector Logistics provides frozen logistics, multi-temperature warehousing and distribution, supply chain intelligence, and sales and merchandising solutions. The company’s substantial network of warehouses provides reliable cold chain infrastructure for food products, which increases shelf life and reduces food waste, AP Møller Capital says.

Pienaar brings a wealth of experience, having served as CEO and director for both DSV Africa and UTi Worldwide. His primary roles included establishing and leading executive teams, executing mergers and acquisitions, and establishing partnerships with customers and other stakeholders.

“Throughout his career, Keith has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision and will use this experience to drive Vector Logistics to new heights," the fund management company says.

“We are thrilled to welcome Keith as the new head of Vector Logistics. The company has grown significantly over the past 18 years, and we believe that under Keith’s leadership, capitalizing on his previous experience in the region, the company will continue to provide a world-class service and market-leading solutions to its customers,” AP Møller Capital partner Joe Nielsen comments.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to outgoing CEO Chris Creed. Chris will, after 17 years as CEO of Vector, be retiring at the end of April and will affect a smooth transition to Keith during April.

“Since joining in 2007, Chris has been instrumental in growing the business, developing its strategy, and propelling it to become one of the significant multi-temperature distribution businesses in South Africa. His dedication and achievements have laid a strong foundation for the company's future success,” AP Møller Capital says.