Long-time Maersk executive steps down in reshuffle

In reflecting on her "29 years, 10 months and 19 days" of employment with Maersk, she cited her role as Shanghai Branch manager in 2002 as "one of the most formative roles" and the Covid pandemic as a waymarker in maintaining services in "situations with large personal sacrifices". Ms Thygesen called out the work of seafarers, truck drivers, terminal and warehouse workers as well as logistics and "front-line colleagues" as inspiring. 

"So, why leave?" she posted to her LinkedIn social media account. "Well, an old saying is ’a ship in a port is safe, but that is not what ships were built for’."

"I have decided it is the right time for me to leave, as I need to throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch new winds in my sails. I will with great interest follow the continued journey of Maersk and everyone behind the company. I am forever grateful for my experiences, and I am certain that I always will remain blue in my heart," Ms Thygesen said.

Maersk’s official statement echoed Ms Thygesen’s personal statement, citing "an impressive 30-year tenure" and saying "the majority of the responsibilities previously held by Henriette Hallberg Thygesen will move under the Operations Function led by chief operating officer Rabab Boulos".

Maersk chief executive Vincent Clerc said, “Distinguished for her sharp intellect and rapid reasoning, Henriette Hallberg Thygesen has always demonstrated passion for our customers and frontline operations. She has been a key driver and ambassador for our decarbonisation efforts, and I have greatly valued my collaboration with Henriette and wish her immense success in her future endeavours."

Maersk head of the North America region Narin Phol has been promoted to the role of chief product officer for logistics and services, and "consequently," according to Maersk, "the current chief product officer for logistics and services, Rotem Hershko, will be leaving Maersk".

Mr Clerc said, "I also want to express my deepest appreciation to Rotem Hershko for his significant contributions to Maersk. His impact reaches well beyond his recent tenure, and he successfully guided large parts of our organisation through a learning journey in terms of ways of working and understanding our digital transformation. I wish Rotem all the best, and I am convinced that great challenges and achievements lie ahead for him,” he said.

Maersk said Charles van der Steene has been named to the company’s leadership team and appointed regional president for North America, replacing Narin Phol. 

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