soren_skou cropSøren Skou (pictured) has been appointed CEO of AP Møller-Maersk, replacing Nils Andersen, who is leaving Maersk Group. The changes will take place on July 1st.

Skou takes on the new role in addition to his existing position as CEO of Maersk Line, a job he took up in 2012. He has been with the company since 1983.

“Søren has strong business acumen and thorough knowledge of the group’s various businesses and has successfully restructured the businesses he has led,” said Michael Pram Rasmussen, chairman of the board of directors. He added that Skou was “a respected and knowledgeable leader with the ability to adapt quickly to market changes in close collaboration with the board of directors, the executive management and his employees.”

Skou said he was excited about the opportunity to lead AP Møller-Maersk through its next phase of strategic development.

“The fast-paced changes of this world demand that we can adapt quickly, easily and at a minimal cost while retaining the focus on each business unit,” said Skou. “Our future set-up must effectively respond to these challenges.”

Meanwhile, Nils Andernsen said he had been proud to work for AP Møller-Mærsk and that it had been a “privilege and a daily joy to work with so many very competent colleagues around the world”.

“I am proud of the results we as a team have achieved in the Maersk Group during my leadership and after eight years as CEO of the group and 15 years as CEO altogether, I find it is the right time for both me and AP Møller-Mærsk to make a change,” he said.

“Søren has all the qualities to take the group through to the next strategic step and I wish him and the whole management team all the best of luck,” he added.