Containerization & Intermodal Institute elects three new board members

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII), a non-profit dedicated to advancing international trade and intermodal transportation, announces the addition of three industry leaders to its board of directors. CII welcomes Nick Fafoutis, Executive Vice President, American President Lines (APL); Giancarlo Morgera, Executive Vice President of Liner Services, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc. (MSC USA), and Ken O’Brien, President and CEO, Gemini Shippers Association.

CII President, Chris Brooks says: “With Nick and Giancarlo bringing their expertise from the ocean carrier space and Ken representing the voice of the BCO, we’re excited to have such dynamic leaders who represent two key sectors of the industry. As our newest board members, they bring a fresh perspective and invaluable insights that will supercharge CII’s mission to drive international trade forward.”

Nick Fafoutis is a seasoned leader in the shipping industry, currently serving as Executive Vice President at APL, where he oversees commercial and operational functions for the company’s US government business, including military and US-flag cargo. With more than 34 years of experience, Mr. Fafoutis has held prominent roles such as Chief Commercial Officer at CMA CGM (2015-2021, 2023-2025) and Vice President of Western Region Sales at CMA CGM. His extensive career also includes leadership positions at Damco and P&O Nedlloyd. His unique combination of commercial expertise, operational leadership, and deep understanding of government and private-sector shipping needs makes him an invaluable asset to the industry.

Giancarlo Morgera is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the global shipping industry, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Liner Services at MSC USA, where he oversees the company’s export operations. Mr. Morgera joined MSC in 1986 after a successful tenure as a Deck Officer with D’Amico Societa’ di Navigazione. He has held various positions with MSC, including Port Captain and Trade Manager for South Africa and Australia. In 1998, he played a key role in establishing MSC’s West Coast operations as Vice President, and by 2004, he was promoted to Senior Vice President for Trades. Mr. Morgera’s broad expertise across operations and commercial leadership has been a driving force behind MSC’s continued success, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the shipping industry.

Ken O’Brien is an influential leader in the shipping and logistics industry, currently serving as President and CEO of Gemini Shippers Association, one of North America’s foremost shippers associations. He also serves as President of Bluspark, a company providing tech-enabled consulting, procurement, and logistics services to shippers and shipper associations. Prior to his current roles, Mr. O’Brien was the founder of bigboxSMALLBOX, an analytics consulting and SaaS firm. With more than 20 years of experience in the liner shipping industry, he has held senior leadership roles at APL and Hapag-Lloyd, including managing the Profit and Loss (P&L) for APL’s U.S. touch trades. He later served as Senior Vice President of the Transpacific Trade, overseeing the P&L for APL’s trans-Pacific operations. Mr. O’Brien’s extensive background in both the shipping and technology sectors positions him as a key industry figure with a unique combination of operational expertise and strategic insight.

From its inception in 1960, CII’s mission has been to promote and support international commerce and the intermodal container transportation sector as well as recognize supply chain and academic excellence. In fact, CII’s scholarship program, which was established in 1992, has awarded more than $1 million to deserving students seeking careers in the sector, as well as institutions that are developing future leaders.

The CII leadership team includes: President, Chris Brooks of the Journal of Commerce by S&P Global; First Vice President, Michael Mendoza of WSI; Second Vice President, Steven Blust of Blust Intermodal Advisors; Treasurer, Cate Avolio of the International Longshoremen’s Association; Secretary, Lisa Wheldon of Medlog Companies, and Executive Director, Lisa Aurichio of BSY Associates Inc.