P&O Ferries owner DP World removes chairman following publication of Epstein emails
Among the material were emails attributed to the former chairman that included descriptions of women with references to their bra size
Global logistics giant DP World has removed its chairman following the publication of messages between the senior executive and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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The Dubai-based firm, which owns P&O Ferries and operates major container terminals in London and Southampton, confirmed that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem had been replaced as chairman, although it did not refer to him by name in its official statement.
The company announced that Essa Kazim would take over the role, while Yuvraj Narayan has been appointed group chief executive officer as part of a wider leadership reshuffle.
The decision follows the release of newly disclosed files by the US Department of Justice connected to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
Among the material were emails attributed to Sulayem that included descriptions of women, with references to their age, weight, height and bra size.
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The revelations are said to have triggered intense pressure on DP World.
Some of the company’s largest international partners, such as the British International Investment development finance operation, reportedly threatened to halt future partnerships with DP as a result.
On Friday, the company added: “DP World affirmed that the new appointments support its strategy for sustainable growth and reinforce its role in strengthening global supply chains and supporting Dubai’s position as a leading hub for trade and logistics.”
DP World faced criticism from British MPs and unions in 2022 after its P&O Ferries business sacked 800 staff and replaced them with cheaper agency workers.