Freight News, People, Sea

Search is on for new DFDS chief

[ November 6, 2025   //   Chris Lewis ]

DFDS has started the search for a successor to chief executive Torben Carlsen. He joined DFDS in 2009 as executive vice president and during has led the company through several key acquisitions, including Norfolkline in 2010 and the expansion into the Mediterranean with UN RoRo in 2018 as well as navigating challenges such as Brexit, Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He has also been chair of Danish Shipping for the last three years and representing Danish Shipping in the European Shipowners’ Association and is a board member of Interferry.

Torben Carlsen will remain in post until a successor is in place to ensure continuity while maintaining momentum in the current transition focus and executing the announced cost reduction programme.

DFDS announced a cost reduction programme targeting DKK 300m of savings on 6 November. It will be achieved in 2026 primarily by a reduction of some 400 mainly office-based positions as well as specific cost reduction initiatives across the organisation.

Tags: DFDS