Copenhagen-headquartered ferry and roro operator DFDS has appointed Michael Hansen as its president and chief executive officer. Hansen will succeed current president and CEO Torben Carlsen from latest July 1.
The new chief of DFDS is currently president and chief executive of Hempel and spent prior to Hempel two decades with A.P. Moller – Maersk, holding senior management roles across Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, including CEO of Seago Line and global head of sales for Maersk Line.
According to DFDS, he has an extensive leadership experience in shipping, transport and industrial businesses.
The appointment follows the initiation of a CEO succession process, as announced on November 6, 2025, to bring new perspectives to lead the company’s ongoing transition, DFDS said, towards satisfactory business and financial performance.
Hempel has confirmed that Hansen will step down as president and chief executive officer to take on a role outside Hempel A/S.
Until a successor has been appointed, Hempel said Michael will together with the executive group management team, continue to lead the company and execute on Hempel’s strategic priorities. Michael Hansen will leave Hempel no later than 30 June 2026.
Claus V. Hemmingsen, chair and board of directors at DFDS, said: “Michael brings new perspectives and experiences to lead the company’s ongoing transition. The clear short-term task is to lift financial performance. The longer-term task is to continue to unlock network value through optimisation of operations and organic growth on the back of DFDS’ enduring strengths, not least our highly regarded customer offerings and service levels as well as our very capable people.”
Michael Hansen, incoming president and CEO, noted: “I am looking very much forward to joining DFDS and the opportunity to lead the ongoing transition to profitable growth. I am passionate about engaging and empowering people to deliver commercial and financial performance and equally passionate about moving sustainability forward. DFDS has an impressive legacy but is currently challenged in some areas. By working together and leveraging the strong network we can unlock the full potential.”
CV overview for Michael Hansen
2017 – present: Group President & CEO, Hempel. Prior positions before becoming CEO in 2022: Executive Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, and Group Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.
2016 – 2017: Vice President, Global Head of Sales, Maersk Line.
2015 – 2015: CEO, Seago Line.
1998 – 2015: Various management positions, Maersk Line. Positions included Managing Director, Line Manager, and Sales Director. Locations included Mexico, Spain, and New Zealand.
