Sweden: First Woman Takes MD Post in Damen Shiprepair Gotaverken

Damen Shiprepair Götaverken aims to be the best within the Nordic countries, according to its new strategy. As part of this focus, Ms Monica Svenner has been appointed as the new MD. Ms Svenner has wide industrial experience as MD for several international companies, such as Stena Recycling and Atlas Copco.

She is the first woman to take an MD post within the ship repair industry and as a Gothenburger she has a burning ambition for her new company.

The current MD, Mr Jos Goris, is very pleased with the choice of his successor: “Monica has extensive experience in leadership and business development within a variety of organizations and industries, particularly within heavy industry. This means that she can bring new approaches and innovation, which is extremely positive for Damen Shiprepair Götaverken. It is also particularly good having an MD from Gothenburg who is internationally respected for her experience, the perfect mix.”

Ms Svenner sees great development potential in Damen Shiprepair Götaverken and she accepted the assignment with excitement and enthusiasm. Her main driving forces are improving businesses, developing and managing organizations and helping people to move forward.

In her own words: “Profitability is A to Z, but developing a company also requires modern leadership, development of the employee’s competence and an efficient organization to provide all the services that the market requires. This will give increased efficiency and, in the long term, a stronger trademark.”

Monica Svenner

Ms Svenner grew up in São Paulo (Brazil) where her family moved in 1956 when her father was offered the job of starting up a factory. She moved back to Sweden at the age of 18 to study chemical engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. When in Gothenburg, she met her husband and the town has remained her home base while working in all parts of the world.

In addition to chemical engineering, Ms Svenner has teaching degrees in mathematics, chemistry and physics. She has worked at companies such as Volvo Cars, Wicanders and Mölnlycke Health Care and within areas such as research & development, organization and business development. She has been a quality manager, factory manager and, for 10 years, an MD in companies with turnovers of up to 8 billion SEK, with employees numbering from 80 to 1.100 persons.

Damen Shiprepair Götaverken

Damen Shiprepair Götaverken currently has 130 employees and a turnover of 300 MSEK. During the last five years, the company has had a positive result trend, with a minor exception in 2011 due to market recession. The Götaverken company was founded as early as 1841. Since the shipyard reopened in 1993 – with 70 employees – more than 1,000 assignments have been performed, including repairs, maintenance and reconstruction of various types of vessels.

Damen Shiprepair Brest

Mr Goris will move on to become the MD for the newly acquired French shiprepair facility Damen Shiprepair Brest. Damen took over the operations of this French yard, formerly known as ‘Sobrena’, three months ago. Damen Shiprepair Brest employs 210 workers and operates 3 large graven drydocks of which the largest measures 420 m x 80 m.

Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group (founded 1927) is a globally operating company with 35 owned shipyards and numerous partner yards. Damen employs over 6,000 people, has built over 5,000 vessels worldwide and delivers up to 150 vessels annually. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept and short delivery times, Damen is able to guarantee constant quality.

Damen’s focus on standardization and modular construction approach lead to short delivery times (Damen keeps vessels in stock), low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value, proven technology and reliable performance. Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels and even frigates and mega yachts. In addition to shipbuilding, Damen offers efficient customer support, customer financing and complete lifecycle service.

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Source: Damen, June 19, 2012