NEWARK, NJ – The Containerization and Intermodal Institute (CII) will present the 2015 Connie Award to Wolfgang Freese, President of Hapag-Lloyd, Region Americas, for his leadership and contributions to the shipping industry within the last four decades at Hapag-Lloyd. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to Joanne F. “Joni” Casey, President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), for her contributions to the freight transportation industry. The Connie Luncheon will be held Monday, December 7, 2015 at the Metropolitan Room at the Newark Club.

“Wolfgang Freese and Joni Casey have spent their careers committed to domestic and international trade and transportation and have helped this industry make significant progressive changes,” said Michael J. DiVirgilio, CII President. “We are pleased to honor these contributions with the Connie and Lifetime Achievement awards.”

Forty years after joining Hapag-Lloyd, Mr. Freese continues his leadership role at the helm of the ocean carrier after his appointment to President, Region Americas, in September 2009. He started his career at Hapag-Lloyd as an apprentice in 1971. After serving in the German Navy for two years, he began a traineeship in the United States with Biehl & Company, Inc. and Southeastern Maritime, agents of Hapag-Lloyd at the time.

From 1978 to 2000, Mr. Freese occupied various management positions and senior management positions internationally in Jakarta, Indonesia, London, England, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt in Germany. He returned to the United States as Senior Vice President for Area West in Corte Madera, California. Just six years, later, he was appointed Senior Vice President for Area Gulf in Houston, Texas.

He has received recognition for his professional expertise and experience with his induction into the International Maritime Hall of Fame founded by the Maritime Association of the Ports of NY and NJ.

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