Maersk announces leadership changes across key global markets

GLOBAL – Maersk has named new managing directors in the UK, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and wider Asian regions, marking an important shift in its global leadership team.

Theeuwes brings close to twenty years of global experience. He joined Maersk in Belgium in 2007 and built his career through senior roles in Europe, China and Africa. He most recently served as Managing Director for the West Africa Area, where he guided teams and supported customers across several markets.

Leaders at Maersk credit Theeuwes with strong results in West Africa. They point to the way he shaped a clear vision for the team and kept steady growth across the region.

One senior comment states, “He built a strong area leadership team with a clear sense of purpose and an extended team that has consistently delivered strong business results.” Another company note adds that under his direction, the team supported Maersk customers with the right mix of services while keeping growth aligned with West Africa’s economic direction.

Christopher Cook will take over as the Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at the start of the new year. Cook currently leads the India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Area. He joined Maersk as a trainee in 2002 and grew across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and India with both Damco and Maersk.

Over the last seven years, Cook spent time in the IMEA region. He first guided the UAE Area, where he oversaw the integration of teams and day-to-day activities. A company release notes, “He successfully led the integration and transformation of the business there.” He later moved to the IBS Area and strengthened long-term plans, improved execution and raised profits.

These leadership changes form part of a broader trend within Maersk as it refreshes management in several major markets. The company aims to deepen its engagement with customers, improve service delivery and strengthen ties with fast-growing regions.

Maersk leaders say these moves align with the company’s goal to focus more closely on each region’s needs. They also believe the new managing directors understand the complexity and pace of the current shipping environment. The company expects each leader to guide teams, shape growth paths and improve how customers experience Maersk.

Maersk also noted recent adjustments in other Asian and European regions. These shifts reflect the company’s continued effort to reshape roles, clarify responsibilities and support wider goals in supply chain services.

Leaders inside the company believe strong regional teams will help them stay steady through changing market conditions.

The new appointments take effect at the start of 2026, and Maersk expects the incoming leaders to begin work with their teams right away.

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