THE Wallenius Wilhelmsen board has named Lasse Kristoffersen as the company’s new CEO. Mr Kristoffersen will start in the new role no later than 1 June 2022.
The previous president and CEO of the ro-ro specialist, Craig Jasienski, stepped down in March and CFO Torbjørn Wist stepped in as acting CEO. Mr Jasienski joined Neptune Lines as CEO in October.
WW board chair Rune Bjerke said, “We are very pleased to welcome Lasse Kristoffersen to Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
“With his background and experience, we are confident that he, together with our experienced team, will continue to strengthen the company’s competitive advantage, for the benefit of our customers, employees, investors, and other shareholders,” Mr Bjerke said.
Mr Kristoffersen joins WW after being president and CEO in Torvald Klaveness, a role he has held since 2011. Prior to that, he was head of specialised dry bulk activities in the same company. Before Klaveness, he worked for 11 years with DNV. He holds a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from NTNU.
Mr Kristoffersen said he was looking forward to joining WW and becoming part of its team.
“I am impressed by the global impact the company has and see exciting opportunities for the company in the years to come,” he said.
“In a world that is decarbonising and digitalising, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is well positioned to continue creating new and sustainable solutions.”
Mr Bjerke said the board had conducted a thorough, global search process to fill the position.
“Kristoffersen brings a wealth of experience from shipping, logistics, technology, sustainability and safety – a quite unique combination we believe makes him particularly suited to lead Wallenius Wilhelmsen,” he said.
The board acknowledged CFO Torbjørn Wist, who assumed the role of acting CEO in March 2021. He will continue to hold the role of acting CEO until Lasse Kristoffersen starts.
Mr Bjerke said, “Torbjørn will be an important partner for the new CEO and ensure continuity in the company’s direction. With the strong quarterly results, Wallenius Wilhelmsen is well positioned for the future.”
