Wilhelmsen Ship Management CEO Schou retires
Wilhelmsen Ship Management will go through a switch at the helm as Carl Schou retires after 19 years of service, 16 of which have been in the position of CEO. Current Chief Operating Officer, Haakon Lenz will take over as CEO Starting January 1, 2025.
Throughout his tenure, Carl Schou was instrumental in reshaping Wilhelmsen Ship Management into a renowned global frontrunner, bolstering its standing as an innovative, accountable, and trustworthy ship manager. Schou underscored the pivotal importance of ship management in adjusting to emerging regulations and the escalating emphasis on decarbonization.
“We have made significant strides in modernising ship operations, prioritising safety for our seafarers, protecting the environment and enhancing overall efficiency. This is a long-term journey for the entire industry, and I am proud that Wilhelmsen Ship Management has been at the forefront together with our customers,” Schou said.
Amid increasing government regulations, ship owners must work with ship managers who have established systems to help operate their fleets compliant and cost-effectively. Haakon Lenz, an experienced maritime leader with extensive knowledge of operational and technical functions, is set to lead Wilhelmsen Ship Management into the next phase.
Lenz began his career at DNV and then transitioned to ship management at V.ships Norway. He joined Wilhelmsen Ship Management in 2008 and has held various leadership roles, including Vice President for Region Europe and the US. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer, Lenz was responsible for overseeing the global operations of Wilhelmsen Ship Management.
As Haakon Lenz takes on his new role as CEO of Ship Management on January 1, Carl Schou will continue to support Haakon as senior advisor for six months.
