HHLA CEO to step down by the end of 2025

After nine years at the helm of the company, chief executive Angela Titzrath will leave Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) by 31 December 2025 at the latest, according to HHLA.

HHLA notes the change at the top of the company “marks the end of a strategic phase in which Angela Titzrath has made a significant contribution to the successful orientation of the company”. The decision was made by mutual agreement between the Supervisory Board and the chief executive, according to HHLA.

The company said its search for Ms Titzrath’s successor has begun. A statement explained Ms Titzrath will remain available to support the transition process until a new chief executive is found. 

"Angela Titzrath has decisively driven forward the development of the company into a European network logistics provider with strategic vision and personal commitment, and has successfully led HHLA through difficult phases such as the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. She accompanied the recent changes in the shareholder structure with a great sense of responsibility. With a particular focus on international networking, digitalisation and sustainability, she has provided key impetus – both for the competitiveness of the Port of Hamburg and for the entire group of companies. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Angela Titzrath for her outstanding work and wish her all the best for her professional and personal future," HHLA supervisory board chairman Rüdiger Grube said.

HHLA noted that based on Ms Titzrath’s “entrepreneurial strategy” for the future, HHLA has invested more than €0.5Bn in modernising the container terminals in the Port of Hamburg over the past five years. 

With the expansion of the company’s intermodal business, the complete takeover of rail subsidiary METRANS and the expansion of the hinterland network from 10 to 21 terminals, this business area has developed into a key pillar for the company. The acquisition of the seaport terminals in Tallinn (Estonia) and Trieste (Italy) strengthened HHLA’s presence along key trade and transport corridors. The establishment of the central innovation unit HHLA Next provided impetus for the company’s innovative strength and future viability. In addition, the management structure and corporate culture were further developed in line with the current challenges facing the logistics industry.

Ms Titzrath said, “I can look back on nine very dynamic but also extremely exciting years at the helm of HHLA. Logistics connects markets, people and perspectives. My goal was to strategically develop HHLA as a key player in a volatile and geopolitically sensitive environment and to strengthen the value of the company. With the modernisation of the Hamburg terminals, the expansion of the intermodal business and strategic locations such as Tallinn and Trieste, we have positioned HHLA decisively in the competitive environment – in the service of our customers and in the interests of an efficient supply chain for companies and consumers throughout Europe.”