ETA elects new chair as Mattias Hellstrom steps down  

Svitzer’s upcoming managing director of its European operations, Arjen van Dijk, has been appointed as the new chairman of the European Tugowners Association (ETA) following the resignation of Mattias Hellstrom.

Mr van Dijk was elected by ETA members during an extraordinary general meeting held digitally on 23 September.

He has served Svitzer in the Americas for more than a decade, including five years and nine months as managing director of its operations across North and Latin America. He is joining Svitzer Europe as managing director.

Mr Hellstrom stepped down from his role following his departure from Svitzer, which meant he could no longer continue his mandate within the ETA. He spent 11.5 years with Svitzer where he held management and executive positions, the latest being chief commercial officer. He also spent more than 10 years with Maersk Group and six years with Mediterranean Shipping Co.

Mr Hellstrom was a member of the ETA executive committee for 11 years, where he actively contributed to the growth of ETA and the realisation of its objectives and vision.  

The ETA’s board of directors is composed of Arjen van Dijk as chairman, Fairplay’s Holger Schwesig as vice chairman and Anna Maria Darmanin as secretary general.