DFDS Gets New CEO after 12 Years

Danish shipping and logistics company DFDS has appointed Torben Carlsen new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after Niels Smedegaard decided to step down.

Niels Smedegaard, who has been CEO of DFDS since January 1, 2007, will resign from his job at the end of April 2019.

“My time at DFDS has been a fantastic journey, and I am proud of the progress that has been made for the company and its employees, customers and shareholders since I joined,” Smedegaard said.

“The time has come to move on and use my energy and experience in board positions. DFDS is strongly positioned for the future, and I feel very confident about passing on the steering wheel to Torben and I wish him good speed for the future.”

Claus V. Hemmingsen, Chair of the Board, pointed out: “Niels has executed an impressive transformation of DFDS. In the time he has led the business, it has more than doubled in size. DFDS is today a far more profitable company, with highly skilled employees well prepared to continue the growth and deal with the challenges that the future brings, including Brexit and the growing demands for digitisation.”

“Over the years, Torben and Niels have worked closely with their colleagues on the Executive Committee and had an excellent collaboration with the Board. Torben has played an important role in the development of DFDS and, with his broad knowledge of the company, he is the ideal person to ensure continuity and continued success for DFDS.“

Torben Carlsen joined DFDS as a member of the Executive Board and CFO in 2009. He is 53 and has a broad and international managerial background, with leading positions in Switzerland and the USA, primarily within the aviation industry. In addition, he has experience from private equity.

“I look forward to working with the rest of the management and our many skilled colleagues to continue the good development of DFDS, based on the strategic plans we have developed in close cooperation with the Board,” Carlsen commented.

Related:

DFDS Eyes Further Growth in 2019