The Pasha Group has appointed Raymond Fitzgerald, an experienced shipping and logistics leader, as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. This change is part of the family's effort to improve their management structure for ongoing growth.
Fitzgerald will start his new role on October 1, where he will manage everyday operations and long-term goals across the company's various divisions and subsidiaries.
George Pasha, IV, the company's owner, has transitioned from President and CEO to Chairman and CEO. He will concentrate on long-term strategies, business opportunities, key partnerships, and the overall progress of the company.
“Creating this position on our executive team helps ensure we have the right structure, leadership depth, and operational focus to support our growth, improve our execution, and prepare the company for the future,” Pasha said.
Fitzgerald comes with over 30 years of experience in shipping, logistics, and transportation. Most recently, he worked as an Executive Advisor to the CEO at Crowley Group Companies after serving as Chief Operating Officer there.
Before his time at Crowley, Fitzgerald held senior leadership roles for about 20 years at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, where he was President and COO of the group and CEO of American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier. In his role at ARC, he worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defense on strategic shipping and logistics.
“I’ve known George for a long time and have collaborated with many talented leaders here, so I’ve seen the commitment and character of this team firsthand,” Fitzgerald remarked.
He also mentioned that the company’s ability to keep its family-owned culture across three generations was a significant factor in his decision to join.
“I’m honored to continue this legacy with George and the entire Pasha family. I’m excited to enhance our operations, serve our customers, and support our dedicated team,” Fitzgerald added.
This announcement comes as Pasha invests more in its ocean shipping, port, and logistics operations, especially in Hawaii and along the U.S. West Coast.
Founded in 1942, Pasha began with George W. Pasha, Jr. providing vehicle storage in San Francisco for military members deployed during World War II. The first company under the Pasha name was established five years later, and the leadership later passed from George Pasha, III to George Pasha, IV.
Today, the company based in San Rafael, California, operates in various sectors including ocean transportation, stevedoring, vehicle processing, trucking, warehousing, and international logistics.
Recent investments include modernizing the fleet at Pasha Hawaii. The _MV George III_ launched in 2022 as the first LNG-powered container ship to refuel on the U.S. West Coast, followed by the sister ship _MV Janet Marie_ in 2023. In 2024, Pasha completed converting the _MV George II_ from steam to an LNG-capable diesel system.
Pasha is also working on the 84-acre Kapalama Container Terminal at Honolulu Harbor through its subsidiary Hawaii Stevedores Inc. This $555 million public-private project with the Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division will serve as HSI's new operational center.
Pasha expressed that Fitzgerald’s appointment will strengthen leadership as the company continues to grow.
“I remain fully engaged with our team and partners,” Pasha said. “Bringing in someone of Ray’s expertise as our COO boosts our leadership capacity, ensuring our daily operations and long-term goals receive the necessary focus as the company evolves.”