Wilhelmsen Ship Management has announced the retirement of CEO Carl Schou after 19 years, including 16 as CEO. Schou led the company through significant challenges, focusing on safety, innovation, and decarbonization.
His successor, Haakon Lenz, currently Chief Operating Officer, will assume the CEO role on January 1, 2025. Lenz, with extensive maritime experience, joined Wilhelmsen in 2008 and has held several leadership roles.
Wilhelmsen Ship Management
He aims to continue Schou’s focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and growth. Schou will serve as a senior advisor for six months to ensure a smooth transition. The company will also celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.
“I am eager to build on the strong foundation Carl has laid,” Lenz commented. “I look forward to working closely with our talented team. Together, we’ll continue our focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and growth— always putting people at the core of what we do as we support our customers in the challenges ahead.”