Evergreen Group's 'Sea-Air Separation' Evolves as Chairman's Son Joins Airline Board

Chang Sheng-en, the son of Evergreen Group chairman Chang Kuo-hua, has been appointed to the board of Evergreen Air. This appointment, made in his capacity as a corporate representative for the Chang Yung-fa Foundation, is seen as a significant move consolidating Chang Kuo-hua's influence over both the group's maritime and air transport businesses.

The move effectively transitions the group's strategy from "sea-air separation" to "sea-air co-governance" under Chang Kuo-hua's leadership. Previously, the group had planned to divide control, with Chang Kuo-hua focusing on Evergreen Marine and his brother Chang Kuo-cheng on Evergreen Air. However, with Chang Kuo-cheng reportedly not holding a majority stake in Evergreen Air, Chang Sheng-en's entry solidifies his father's dominance.

This restructuring follows a period of intense internal conflict among the four Chang brothers over control of the conglomerate's various listed companies, including Evergreen Marine, Evergreen Steel, and Evergreen Air. The "sea-air separation" plan was initially conceived to prevent further inheritance disputes and streamline shareholdings. Chang Sheng-en's appointment to the Evergreen Air board suggests a new phase of succession planning and centralized control within the group.