Carl Schou has called on the industry to build for the future, and enhance sustainability and resilience by embracing innovation and collaboration, as he announced his retirement at the end of this year.
He will step down after 16 years as CEO and president of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, to be succeeded by current chief operating officer Haakon Lenz at the start of 2025 when the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.
A respected and thoughtful character, Schou is credited with steering the operation through the 2008 financial crisis, moving its headquarters first from Oslo to Kuala Lumpur then Singapore, and a string of acquisitions.
“As I step away, I’m reminded that the strength of the industry lies not in its ships, but in the people who keep them moving,” Schou told TradeWinds.
“The future belongs to those who embrace innovation, foster collaboration and keep sight of the broader vision — ensuring that our trade remains sustainable and resilient in the face of change.”
A wholly owned subsidiary of Oslo-listed Wilh Wilhelmsen Holding, Wilhelmsen Ship Management is today one of the world’s largest third-party managers, with more than 450 ships and 12,000 active seafarers.
“We have made significant strides in modernising ship operations, prioritising safety for our seafarers, protecting the environment and enhancing overall efficiency,” said Schou.
“This is a long-term journey for the entire industry, and I am proud that Wilhelmsen Ship Management has been at the forefront together with our customers.”
He added: “It has been an honour to lead such a talented and dedicated team for nearly two decades. Our success is rooted in a strong people-centric culture and our commitment to doing things the right way. I am confident that Ship Management will continue to thrive under Haakon’s leadership.”
‘Big shoes to fill’
Lenz has had a long and close working relationship with Schou, having reported to him since 2009, shortly after he joined the company.
As COO since 2021, he is known for his hands-on approach, passion for ship management and interest in digital solutions to improve operational efficiency.
“Stepping into this role, I recognise the big shoes to fill,” Lenz told TradeWinds. “It is an exciting time in ship management as we enter a pivotal time for our industry.
“With a strong foundation laid, I am confident we will overcome challenges ahead and steer towards greater heights of professionalism.”
He added: “I am eager to build on the strong foundation Carl has laid. I look forward to working closely with our talented team.
“Together, we’ll continue our focus on operational excellence, sustainability and growth — always putting people at the core of what we do as we support our customers in the challenges ahead.”
Schou showed confidence during the Covid pandemic, helping the company adapt to new challenges and expand its fleet organically and through acquisitions, including Ahrenkiel Steamship and Ahrenkiel Tankers.
In the most recent published accounts of Wilh Wilhelmsen, the ship management operation saw revenue more than double in the second quarter this year to $49m after the completion on 31 March of the acquisition with MPC Capital of Zeaborn Ship Management.
Zeaborn — which manages a fleet of around 100 vessels — added $26m in revenue to the $23m from the existing Wilhelmsen Ship Management business, up from $22m a year earlier.
Schou first went to sea when he was 17, rising to the rank of staff captain on Norwegian cruise ships. He came ashore in 1991, joining DNV and then Norwegian private shipowner Dyvi in 1997 as technical director. He joined Wilhelmsen as crew manager in 2005.
A trained naval architect, Lenz started his career at DNV before joining V.Ships Norway, and then Wilhelmsen in 2008.
Schou will support Lenz as senior adviser for the first half of 2025.
