Norwegian bulker owner Wilson has beefed up its top team with a new hire and a promotion from within.
The Eidesvik family-owned mini-bulker specialist has appointed former operations manager Henrik Orth as director of Wilson Ship Management, while Einar Torsnes has been recruited as chief financial officer.
“Henrik has been a part of the Wilson family for 16 years and is now eager to deepen his understanding of the ship management aspect of Wilson,” Wilson said.
Orth will be in charge of a fleet of more than 100 ships.
He said: “Over the past 16 years, I have focused on selling our product to customers; now, I look forward to contributing to its further development.
“By working together with the team, my goal is to strengthen its competitiveness and ensure it meets all future requirements while maintaining a safe and trustworthy operation.”
Orth believes his experience working on the commercial side and maintaining close relationships with clients has given him a deep understanding of expectations towards a shipowner.
He describes himself as a “relational leader”.
“I believe in building genuine, trust-based connections by sharing aspects of my own life and experiences with my team. I try to base it on openness and mutual understanding, hopefully creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued,” Orth added.
Torsnes, 47, has been brought in from survey shipowner Shearwater GeoServices after a five-year stint.
Wilson had advertised the CFO post on LinkedIn nine months ago, with Torsnes joining at the end of August.
Torsnes said: “I have been fortunate to work in an international environment throughout my career and I have previously been working in various finance and financial management positions. I have experience from banking, marine insurance, shipping and the energy sector.
“Some of the great experiences you get from working in shipping is that you get to meet people, clients and counterparts from all over the world.
“Shipping activity is a thermometer for international trade and industrial activity, so from a financial and macroeconomic point of view it is also very interesting to be in the middle of this industry,” he added.
Torsnes previously worked in insurance at the Norwegian Hull Club and he has also spent time at bulker operator Western Bulk.
