Norwegian Kristian Aursnes is leaving his role as managing director of Eiger Shipping, the freight division at Russian trading giant Litasco, after 14 years.
The 44-year-old declined to comment on what he would do next, but said he would stay in shipping.
"Everyone with a good reputation and experience in the shipping industry is interesting for other companies," he added.
"Especially individuals coming from the trading side as they typically have a highly commercial approach. It is quite normal to have conversations with other companies from time to time."
He said he felt it was time for a change. "And I think it is probably good for the company as well with a fresh pair of eyes," he added.
Lukoil’s Litasco arm has had four different chief executives during Aursnes’ tenure and has seen massive growth.
It is now lifting more than 100m tonnes of crude and products per year on chartered tankers.
And it is trading more than double this volume.
'A unique platform'
Litasco fixes between 1,800 and 1,900 vessels for this business, ranging from small tankers up to VLCCs.
"Litasco has been a wonderful place to work. It is a unique platform, with bundles of talented people," Aursnes said.
"At 44 I am amongst the seniors in the office, and amongst the longest-serving employees. Having a young and dynamic team hungry for success is a great asset for any company. And I am confident Litasco will continue to enjoy great success in the years to come."
Litasco is led by chief executive Nazim Suleymanov and managing director Dimitrios Anyfantakis, who is also chairman of Eiger Shipping.
"Being Greek, Dimitrios has been wonderful to work for as he has a genuine interest in the shipping industry and he takes a keen interest in the development of Eiger Shipping," Aursnes said.
