Fast-growing service operation vessel owner Edda Wind has appointed Kenneth Walland as its chief executive
Mr Walland spent the last five years as chief executive at Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi, which founded Edda Wind, and worked for the owner for 27 years.
Kristian Helland Vea has been appointed Østensjø Rederi’s new chief executive. He formerly held the position of chartering manager, offshore and towage at the company, and has worked for the company for four years. Before starting at Østensjø Rederi, he spent 16 years at DOF.
Edda Wind is owned by Østensjø Rederi and Wilhelmsen Group. Wilhelmsen became a stakeholder in Edda Wind in September 2020. The company, which owns and operates service operation vessels and construction/service operation vessels, recently announced plans for an initial public offering.
Mr Walland spent the majority of his professional career at Østensjø Rederi after starting his career in the merchant navy. He later he worked for the Norwegian Coastguard, Royal Caribbean Cruises and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. He was with Østensjø Rederi for 34 years in total, spending the last five as CEO. In addition to his role at Østensjø Rederi, over the last six years he played a leading role developing Edda Wind.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” Mr Walland said. “Even though it is tough to leave Østensjø Rederi, this is an opportunity I could not pass up.
“Edda Wind is an extremely good platform to take advantage of growth in the offshore wind industry. The experience and knowledge we have built are unique. In addition, we have a newbuild programme of six vessels, built at very attractive prices, which are optimised for the future needs of the industry.”
Håkon Vevang has accepted the position of chartering manager at Edda Wind. Mr Vevang was previously chartering manager at Østensjø Rederi, where he was already responsible for chartering in the offshore wind market.
For the time being, the chief financial officer role at Edda Wind is vacant, but the company has commenced the process of recruiting someone to fill the role.
Østensjø Rederi will continue to provide ship management and corporate services to Edda Wind.
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