Danish owner Norden has announced the hiring of Christian Christensen to head its dry cargo department.
Christensen's appointment to replace Ejner Bonderup, who resigned this summer to take over as chief executive at XO Shipping, was confirmed amid intense speculation on Monday.
The statement was released within an hour of TradeWinds reporting that Christensen was set for the job.
Christensen, 46, is a well-known shipping face in Scandinavia.
He spent 16 years at Western Bulk having previously worked at AP Moller-Maersk for a decade. His time at the Danish heavyweight included a period at Maersk Broker.
Christensen said: "I am proud to become part of Norden. Over the years, the Company has built an ever stronger brand, and I look forward to using my skills and contribute to making Norden a natural first choice for cargo customers, owners and brokers as well as first choice for high performing individuals.”
Bonderup joined Norden in 2012 from J Lauritzen, with Peter Borup soon moving in the other direction.
He became one of two key lieutenants to Norden chief executive Jan Rindbo, alongside Martin Badsted, following a slimming down of leading management at the company last year. His resignation was announced in July.
Christensen will clock on at Norden at the start of next year.
