World’s largest marine fuels supplier Bunker Holding on Thursday (21 November) announced a major restructuring of its Executive Management to future-proof and gear the organisation for the increase in complex market dynamics. 

Bunker Holding’s commercial department will be divided into two divisions: Bunker Holding Sales and Bunker Holding Operations. Anders Grønborg will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and lead Bunker Holding Sales, which will focus on customer relations. Peder Møller will take on the newly added role of Chief Operating Officer and head up Bunker Holding Operations, which will be responsible for operations involving global sourcing, physical supply, risk management, and new fuels.

The firm said the purpose of the new structure is to better equip the Group to respond to an increasingly complex market which involves the separation of Bunker Holding’s sales and operations divisions. Not only will this separation lead to an increase in specialisation within sales, sourcing, risk management, and physical supply, but it will ensure that Bunker Holding moves closer to customers and suppliers while adapting to changing market conditions.

“We want to ensure that we prepare the company for future growth and build a world-class organisation – one that can manage the dynamics of our market. We have decided to divide the commercial responsibilities to adopt a more focused approach to both customers and operations. Our goal is to ensure that we can deliver the best service to our customers while maintaining oversight of our operations,” says Keld R. Demant, CEO of Bunker Holding.

Increasing customer specialisation and optimising operations

Bunker Holding is parting ways with CCO Christoffer Berg Lassen and utilises the opportunity to expand the Executive Management team from three to four members. Christoffer Berg Lassen is leaving Bunker Holding after having headed up the commercial department since 2018.

“I would like to thank Christoffer Berg Lassen for his immense dedication during his tenure. Christoffer joined the company more than 20 years ago and as such, he has made an impressive mark on especially the Group’s commercial operations. I highly commend his efforts and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours,” says Keld R. Demant.

“The new structure has the full support of the Board of Directors. We are confident that the increased focus on growing and building closer ties to Bunker Holding’s customer base and streamlining our operations, will better position us to create value across the entire value chain,” says Klaus Nyborg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bunker Holding.

Taking effect 1 December, the new Executive Management team in Bunker Holding will thus consist of CEO Keld R. Demant, CFO Michael Krabbe, CCO Anders Grønborg, and COO Peder Møller.

Additional changes

As a consequence of the restructuring, Anders Grønborg will leave his position as CEO of KPI OceanConnect, and Dorthe Bendtsen, current COO of KPI OceanConnect, will take over as interim CEO. She has been an integral part of KPI OceanConnect’s Executive Management team for the past 16 years.

Martin Vorgod, CCO of Global Risk Management (GRM), will assume the role of CEO of GRM, following Peder Møller’s transition to Bunker Holding. Martin Vorgod joined GRM in 2022. In his role as CCO, he has focused particularly on the development of new products within energy, emission certificates, and on GRM’s customer-facing activities.

Together with the intensified focus on Bunker Holding’s commercial strategy and goal to strengthen its role as a full-service provider, the new organisational structure will enable the Group to better enhance and expand its business and streamline its operations.

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 22 November, 2024

Dorthe Bendtsen will assume the position as interim CEO of KPI OceanConnect as of 1 December, following former CEO, Anders Grønborg’s transition to Chief Commercial Officer of parent company Bunker Holding. 

KPI OceanConnect is one of the world's largest bunker trading companies with nearly 150 employees across 15 offices worldwide, delivering 12 million tonnes of marine fuel annually. 

The executive management team and regional leads will continue KPI OceanConnect’s ambitious strategy on growth and high-quality customer care. The company remains committed to maintain a high level of stakeholder satisfaction and loyalty. KPI OceanConnect will commence its search for a new CEO shortly.

Bendtsen who is currently KPI OceanConnect’s Chief Operating Officer, has played a key role in the organisation’s development and success over the past 16 years. During her time with KPI OceanConnect, Bendtsen has been an integral part of the company’s executive management team and instrumental in the company’s development and execution of strategy and M&A activities. 

Her primary focus has been on optimising operations, strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, ensuring delivery of exceptional service and value to business partners and customers around the world. 

As COO, Bendtsen has implemented robust corporate governance structures and steered the company’s sustainability strategy and ESG initiatives. In particular, focussing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity, leading the organisation towards a more inclusive and competence-driven culture.

In addition to an MA in Management and a BA in International Relations and Economics, Bendtsen is also a Chartered Governance Professional.

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 22 November, 2024

Maritime decarbonisation advisory services company VPS on Monday (11 November) announced the appointment of Dirk de Bruyn as the company’s new General Manager for Middle East and Africa.

In this role, Dirk will advance VPS’s business within the region with both new and existing key clients. He will be critical to the growth of both the traditional businesses of marine fuels testing and advisory as well as playing a key role of decarbonisation of the maritime industry.

With experience gained at Rio Tinto, Shell and recently TotalEnergies, and a range of local, regional and global roles across four continents in international oil, gas and energy, Dirk brings extensive experience and knowledge in the energy transition space.

Using his extensive knowledge gained in bunker fuel and lubricants, both from a supplier and end-users’ perspective, Dirk previously led a global team focused on energy transition and decarbonisation.

“The maritime industry is changing quickly with ambitious emissions targets and decarbonisation requirements driving the introduction of new technologies and fuels into the market,” said Dr. Malcolm Cooper, CEO of VPS.

“In this dynamic landscape, we are very pleased to have Dirk on board to help VPS customers optimise their operations by understanding which new fuels to use and how to adapt to these sustainable business drivers and meet new regulations.

Dirk noted: “Whilst the industry is rightfully focussed on the path towards Net Zero, we must ensure we do not take our eye off the ball on the operational risks posed by traditional fuels.”

“Energy Transition and the path towards Net Zero is an evolving landscape. With the change in fuel types and the introduction of future fuels, it is important to provide advice and guidance to our customers whilst taking into consideration the differences in legislations.

“VPS leads the way with their technology in biofuels as well as methanol testing which is a key component to reducing our clients emissions and helping them in their journey towards Net Zero. I am excited to be part of this journey with VPS’ with an industry who is focussed on fuel transition.

“With over forty years of knowledge and experience in the marine industry, and a wide range of advanced Digital Decarbonisation platforms such as PortStats, Maress, BOND and Emsys, I have found that our team is filled with experience and determination and I look forward to adding mine into the mix.”

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 13 November 2024