Former SAP CEO nominated to chair Maersk
Having helmed one of the world’s largest shipping companies through its greatest corporate restructure in a generation, Michael Pram Rasmussen, 62, has announced he is stepping down as chairman at A.P. Møller – Mærsk.
Last year Rasmussen was behind the ousting of Nils Anderson as CEO to be replaced by Soren Skou and the dramatic split of the conglomerate whereby the Danish outfit’s energy divisions will be hived off to allow it to focus on transport and logistics.
The board has put forward Jim Hagemann Snabe to take over from Rasmussen when group’s AGM is convened on March 28.
Vice chairman Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla commented: “Since 1999 Michael Pram Rasmussen has served A.P. Moller- Maersk as a Board member, 14 years as our chairman. I am very grateful for his many contributions and relentless commitment to our group, during good as well as hard times. Michael has anchored the ongoing transformation of the company, with solid business insight as well as loyalty to our name. I look forward to welcoming Jim Hagemann Snabe to take the torch that will lead us into the future”.
The likely new chairman, Snabe, was quoted in a release as saying: “A. P. Moller – Maersk is a very strong company, with an impressive history and impact on global trade and it has enormous potential in a world of constant change. I look forward to working with the board and the management team on the transformation that lies ahead of us, as well as securing a strong future platform for our oil and oil related businesses.”
Snabe’s career history suggests he will be at the forefront of Maersk’s efforts to lead the digital transformation of the shipping industry. His extensive CV shows he was CEO at software giant SAP for four years through to 2014. He currently sits on the board of many well known brands including SAP, Allianz, Danske Bank, Siemens and Bang & Olufsen. He joined Maersk’s board of directors in April last year.
