SVITZER Australia has named Videlina Georgieva as the company’s new managing director.
Ms Georgieva has been Svitzer’s global chief commercial officer for the past three years. Prior to this role, she led strategy and business development functions within Svitzer.
In a statement, Svitzer said outgoing managing director – Australia Nicolaj Noes is leaving Svitzer “to take on a new opportunity”. Mr Noes has led Svitzer Australia for the past five years and has worked within the wider Maersk group over the past 30 years.
The company said Ms Georgieva brings a deep understanding of its business and operations, including within Australia, where she has been part of delivering commercial results throughout her 13 years with Svitzer.
She has already begun a planned handover process with Mr Noes and will commence her new role effective early September.
Svitzer CEO Kasper Friis Nilaus congratulated Ms Georgieva on her appointment and said it was fantastic to be able to appoint internally for the role, reflecting the strong leadership talent within Svitzer.
“Based in Sydney and with her long tenure and strong track record, Videlina is excellently placed to continue driving Svitzer’s strategic focus in Australia and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Nilaus said.
“This includes continuing to unlock value for our customers, for instance through partnering with them on their decarbonisation agendas. We are also bringing innovative new assets and towage infrastructure such as our revolutionary new TRAnsverse tug to the region, which will help drive the future of towage in Australia.”
Mr Nilaus also expressed his thanks to Mr Noes for his leadership of Svitzer Australia.
“Nicolaj has led Svitzer through significant change during his tenure and is held in high regard by colleagues, customers and stakeholders alike for his leadership,” Mr Nilaus said.
“He leaves the business in a strong position and with a talented, experienced team in place across the region.”
Ms Georgieva said: “I am delighted to be back with the team at Svitzer Australia and to be taking on this role in such an important market for our business. There is clear opportunity to create further value with and for our customers and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“We have an exciting platform to drive innovative, sustainable marine services and decarbonisation in partnership with our customers. The team here in Australia has the passion, experience and skills to achieve this, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to lead them at this time.”
Svitzer said it is in the process of recruiting a permanent successor to Ms Georgieva’s role of CCO, to be announced in due course.
