The Danish ferry operator DFDS will have a new Managing Director as of July 1, 2026: Michael Hansen will lead the company as CEO.
Hansen is currently Managing Director of Hempel, a manufacturer specializing in paints, coatings and antifouling coatings. At DFDS, he will succeed Torben Carlsen, who is expected to step down as President and CEO on the same date.
DFDS had already announced in November that Carlsen would be leaving the company after 16 years. He had led the shipping company as CEO since 2019. Under his leadership, DFDS took over Norfolkline and expanded into the Mediterranean with UN RoRo. According to an earlier announcement, the CEO succession process will now bring new perspectives for a “satisfactory business and financial performance”.
“I am very pleased to welcome Michael Hansen to DFDS,” said Claus V. Hemmingsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “He brings new perspectives and experience to lead the ongoing transformation of the company. The short-term task is to improve financial performance. The long-term task is to further increase network value by optimizing operations and organic growth based on DFDS’ continued strengths, particularly our highly regarded customer offering and service excellence and our highly skilled employees.”
Hansen has international management experience including shipping, transportation and industry. As President and CEO of Hempel, he led a strategic transformation that increased financial performance, strengthened cash flow and improved operational scalability. Prior to Hempel, he spent nearly two decades at A.P. Møller – Maersk, where he held senior positions in Europe, Latin America and Oceania, including CEO of Seago Line and Global Head of Sales for Maersk Line.
“I am very much looking forward to joining DFDS and leading the ongoing transformation to profitable growth,” said Hansen. “I am passionate about motivating and empowering employees to achieve commercial and financial success, and equally important to me is driving sustainability. DFDS has an impressive history, but is currently facing challenges in a number of areas. By working together and leveraging our strong network, we can realize our full potential.”
