Get to know Haakon Lenz, Wilhelmsen Ship Management's new CEO & President

Wilhelmsen Ship Management proudly welcomes our newly appointed CEO & President, Haakon Lenz. A familiar face within the organization, Haakon brings over 16 years of dedication and expertise to Wilhelmsen Ship Management. 

While many of us know him well, we thought it would be insightful to take a closer look at his journey and vision for the future. In this article, Haakon shares his perspective on key topics shaping our industry, his leadership philosophy, and his thoughts on the road ahead for Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

Q1) Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience in the maritime industry?

I have a naval architect background. I started my career at DNV, was based in Japan for 2 years before transitioning to the ship management industry. Since joining Wilhelmsen Ship Management in 2008, I’ve held various leadership positions, including my longest tenure as Vice President for Region Europe and Americas, where I worked closely with local teams to drive growth. Most recently, as Chief Operating Officer, I had the privilege of overseeing global operations, collaborating with a talented team of diverse professionals in technical and crew management.

Q2) What are your initial priorities for Wilhelmsen Ship Management as you take on this new role?

Seafarers are the backbone of our operations. It is essential that we increase recruitment efforts to build a robust pipeline of skilled seafarers to support our growth. With the upcoming environmental regulations such as new fuel requirements, we must develop our people competence onboard and shore to adapt to the changing requirements. 

In parallel, our people must be supported by the right tools and procedures in tackling these changes and challenges that may arise in the transition period. Beyond ensuring compliance, we are tapping into data driven analytics to achieve greater efficiency to improve operational performance.

Q3) What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you see facing the ship management industry in the coming years?

Crew shortages remain one of the biggest challenges in our industry. We are doing our part to bridge the shortages through initiatives such as cadet programs, increasing diversity by including more females in our pool, and expanding recruitment efforts to new source countries like Africa.

Another pressing challenge is the tightening of environmental regulations. As ship managers, regulatory changes are expected, and we have always adapted to the changes. 

So having the right foundation of processes, systems and talent is crucial to achieve this. I would say these challenges has increased the bar to manage ships professionally and profitably. So, there are opportunities lying ahead for ship managers to continue to grow.

Q4) How do you see Wilhelmsen Ship Management positioning itself to succeed in this competitive landscape?

Safe and efficient operations. Predictability. I believe with these qualities we will stand out in this competitive industry. We do not aim to be the biggest ship manager but one that delivers our promise of quality and excellence to our customers. Ship management is a relationship-based business; to succeed, we must continue to deliver value to our customers.

Q5) Which aspects of Wilhelmsen’s company culture do you feel are most important to nurture, and how do you envision building on them?

We operate in a flat organization structure that allows open communication and collaboration. This structure not only enhances teamwork but also provides clear visibility into our business operations, promoting transparency and strong governance in our service delivery. To build on this, I envision further nurturing a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Q6) Can you share someone who has had a significant impact on your career and leadership style?

So many that has influenced me from time to time. It is hard to name one.

Q7) What are some of your hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family. During my leisure time, I enjoy windsurfing in the summer and skiing in the winter—activities that allow me to connect with nature and stay active. I also take great pleasure in home improvement projects, especially carpentry, which gives me the satisfaction of building and creating with my own hands.