DFDS is to introduce a new management structure that corresponds to the new Group strategy, with five business units and a closer focus on HR. Group Director Søren Jespersen is leaving the company.
On 12 September 2007, DFDS published its new strategy, From Routes to Networks. One of the key elements is that DFDS Seaways and DFDS Tor Line have been divided into five business units. “As a logical consequence, we are now adapting the management structure to correspond with the new organisational structure, in line with our desire for growth and a closer focus on HR," says CEO Niels Smedegaard.
The Executive Management will comprise Niels Smedegaard as President and CEO, and five Executive Vice-Presidents: Christian Merrild (Finance), Henrik Holck (Human Resources), Peder Gellert Pedersen (Ro-Ro and Terminals), Ole Sehested (Containers and Trailers) and, temporarily, Niels Smedegaard (Passengers). The Executive Board will consist of Niels Smedegaard and Christian Merrild.
“DFDS’s freight activities have grown rapidly for a number of years and now constitute the Group’s largest single revenue source,” says Søren Jespersen. “I therefore fully understand the need to adapt the strategy and structure to correspond to this reality, but I do not personally wish to be part of the new structure, and have agreed with the board that I will be leaving the company."
“Søren Jespersen has done a great job for DFDS Seaways,” says Chairman of the Board Ivar Samrén. “Despite a difficult market, characterised by fierce competition from other forms of transport, the marketing and the on-board concepts have improved significantly, and sales and distribution have been modernised, with a closer focus on online media. The new strategy and structure constitute a logical and correct response to the way the company and the market have been developing. It will strengthen DFDS.”
The new management structure comes into force on 1 January 2008. Søren Jespersen has agreed with the board to remain in his post for a short period, in order to carry out duties associated with the transfer of executive responsibilities in DFDS Seaways to Niels Smedegaard. “We have initiated the process of finding a future Executive Vice President for the Passengers business unit," Niels Smedegaard says.
DFDS A/S
Further Information: Niels Smedegaard, CEO & President,
+45 3342 3400, or Gert Jakobsen, Vice President, Communications, +45 2440 0043