Ron Widdows will take the CEO’s seat at German owner Rickmers Group less than two months after walking away from the same position at Neptune Orient Lines.

Widdows will replace Jan Steffens as chief exec of Rickmers Holding and of Rickmers-Linie, it was announced today.

Owner Bertram Rickmers says Steffens stepped down at his own request and will remain on the group’s advisory board. He will also take care of special projects.

Rickmers said: “Ron brings a wealth of experience in container shipping and deep relationships within the industry, with shippers, governments and the financial community to his new role.

“The combination of the rich history and strong brand of Rickmers and the experience of this well-known shipping professional is a very positive development in the process of further expanding our successful enterprise with a strong focus on the Asia-Pacific and American markets.”

Widdows’ exit from NOL was announced last April when former military high-flyer Ng Yat Chung was bumped up to the top job.

Ng, who had nearly 30 years experience in leading roles with the Singapore-armed forces, was a top executive at Singaporean wealth fund Temasek Holdings, one of NOL’s leading shareholders.

Rickmers Group boasts a fleet of over 120 containerships, multipurpose vessels, car carriers and bulk carriers.