essDOCS, the leading enabler of paperless trade, announced today that Non-Executive Board Member, Andre Toet, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. He succeeds Barry Williams, who is standing down after chairing the board since 2013, having previously served a term as Chairman from 2006 to 2011.

"We’re proud to welcome such an experienced professional as Andre to chair our Board," said Alexander Goulandris, essDOCS CEO and Executive Director. "Andre’s extensive leadership background will act as an invaluable asset towards progressing our company’s strategic agenda during this key stage of rapid growth. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Barry Williams for his crucial contribution to our company’s success during his years of service."

Andre Toet possesses over 30 years of maritime industry experience and has held numerous supervisory board positions, of which PortInfolink (subsequently Portbase), directly supported his previous role as Non-Executive Board Member for essDOCS. He has served as Managing Director of P&O Nedlloyd Europe, CEO of Maersk Central Europe, COO of the Port of Rotterdam and, since 2011, CEO for Sohar Industrial Port Company in Oman.

In his new role as Executive Chairman, Andre will focus on expanding the company’s relationships with prospective partners and customers, in addition to advising and overseeing ongoing efforts to ensure that essDOCS’ growth continues to accelerate.

“I am certain that essDOCS will provide the catalyst for transforming how we conduct business within the trade and trade finance industry today” said Andre Toet, essDOCS Executive Chairman. “It’s a pleasure and an honour to be appointed in this role and I greatly look forward to engaging in essDOCS’ rapid growth agenda, further cementing and reinforcing its position as the world’s leading enabler of paperless trade.”