Maersk appoints new CFO and North American chief in global leadership reorganization

Maersk has revealed a series of senior leadership changes as the company faces mounting competition in the international logistics market.

The companys parent, A.P. Moller-Maersk, confirmed that Robert Erni, formerly of Kuehne & Nagel, will join as chief financial officer and become a member of the executive board.

Erni brings over 30 years of experience in global logistics finance, including two decades at Kuehne & Nagel in Zurich. He has held multiple senior financial roles, such as group CFO at Panalpina and most recently group CFO at Dachser, a supply chain solutions provider.

He will replace Patrick Jany, who has been CFO since 2020 and will remain with the company until January 1. Erni will report directly to Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc.

In addition, Ditlev Blicher has been appointed regional president for North America. Blicher previously led the Asia-Pacific region since joining Maersk in 2020. He succeeds Charles Van Der Steene, who will move to oversee India, the Middle East, and Africa. Van Der Steene managed the North American business since 2024.

Scott Andrew Elliott, Asia-Pacific CFO, will serve as interim regional president for Asia-Pacific, taking over from Blicher. Guillaume Sauzedde has been named regional managing director for Europe.

Clerc commented on the changes, stating that the regions have performed strongly in recent years, boosting growth, customer focus, and the integration of acquired businesses. "These efforts provide a solid foundation for a reconfiguration of regional leadership that allows us to move faster in a rapidly evolving market," he said.

Maersk, long a leading figure in global shipping, lost its top position in container shipping to Mediterranean Shipping Company in early 2022. MSCs fleet, now exceeding 7 million TEUs, gives it over 20% of global capacity compared to Maersks 13%, according to Alphaliner. CMA CGM and Cosco are also closing in, with 12.3% and 10.7% of world capacity respectively.

Despite increased competition, Maersk, controlled by Denmarks Moller-Maersk family, remains a significant global player, with its shares rising over 25% in the past year.

Other departures include Richard Morgan, who led the India, Middle East, and Africa region, and Aymeric Chandavoine, head of the Europe region. Antonio Dominguez will continue as regional managing director for Latin America.

Sources:

• Maersk tabs new CFO, North American chief in global leadership shakeup