Swedish shipping group Erik Thun has announced that the company has appointed Johan Källsson as the new managing director for the group, after his uncle Anders Källsson decided to step down.
The company said it is a logical step in the ongoing process of handing over to the next generation. Johan Källsson and his cousin Henrik Källsson, as well as CFO Agne Axelsson, will form the executive management team of the company.
Johan Källsson is the son of Jan Källsson, the late former managing director of the company and Henrik Källsson is the son of Anders Källsson, who succeeded his brother Jan in 2004.
Johan Källsson will have the oversight of the group and focus on development of the organisation, human resources and external contacts within both business and politics while Henrik Källsson continues as deputy managing director and he will be responsible for the commercial, operational and technical departments including developing new vessels.
“We, Johan and I, are looking forward to stepping up to this challenge together, as the third generation to manage our family business. We feel humble but well prepared after working in the company for many years. We are excited to do this in a time when we have an extensive newbuilding program, building the next generation climate smart vessels,” said Henrik Källsson.
“We have been working towards this for quite some time. Henrik and I have the same vision and ideas and I believe that we will be a strong team together, complementing each other. We are grateful and very happy for the opportunity to move forward while continuing to be a sustainable Swedish partner over generations,” Johan Källsson added.
Anders Källsson will remain part-time in the company as a board director, mentoring the new executive management team.
“I have come to the conclusion that this is a good time for me to hand over the responsibilities to the next generation. I think it is safe to say that I have done my share and I am looking forward to some leisure time now and, naturally, I will support the new management with the experience and knowledge I have gathered through many years in the shipping industry,” said Anders Källsson.
Erik Thun was founded in 1938 and currently owns and operates a fleet of around 40 vessels, made up of tankers and bulkers.
