Sveinung Stohle has resigned as chief executive of Hoegh LNG Holdings to take up a position with the Angelicoussis Shipping Group, one of the world’s biggest private shipping companies.
Stohle had told TradeWinds on Monday that he would start work from early next year as deputy chief executive for a "very large privately-owned shipowner outside of Norway" who controls a mixed fleet including LNG carriers.
According to an internal letter circulated early on Tuesday, Greek owner Maria Angelicoussis told employees that Stohle is now joining her group.
“I am delighted to announce that Mr Sveinung Stohle will join the Group, as my deputy CEO, in Athens early next year,” Angelicoussis said in the text.
Stohle’s area of responsibility is understood to extend across the entire range of the Greek firm’s more than 100 tankers, LNG carriers and bulkers.
“Sveinung’s extensive industry experience will add strength, depth and quality to our existing team,” Angelicoussis said.
Involved in all aspects
Angelicoussis took over the top position at the Greek shipping behemoth in April, when her father John died of a massive heart attack.
The 39-year-old businesswoman said she will continue as group chief executive “involved in all aspects of the business”.
The appointment of Stohle, who will turn 63 in December, comes to help the group manage the regulatory and technological overhaul faced by the company.
“I look forward to working closely with Sveinung in relation to the many near-term transitional challenges and opportunities in our industry,” she said.
His appointment also infuses outside management expertise into the group after the departure last year of John Platsidakis and Stavros Hatzigrigoris, two trusted Angelicoussis group lieutenants for decades.
“I am very excited to have this unique opportunity to join the Angelicoussis Group and I very much look forward to working closely with Maria and the team to continue growing the company for the future,” said Stohle in a press statement issued by the Angelicoussis group later on Tuesday.
Stohle holds an MBA in International Business from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from California State University.
The Norwegian-born executive becomes the second non-Greek executive to assume a top management position with an established, traditional Greek company this year.
In September, Melina Travlos-led car carrier Neptune Lines announced the appointment of Craig Jasienski as its new chief executive. The Australian had held the same position at rival Wallenius Wilhelmsen for more than 30 years.
