Odfjell appoints Harald Fotland as new chief executive officer

In March 2022, Kristian Mørch announced he was stepping down as chief executive officer of Odfjell SE after six years in the role. Following a recruitment process that involved external and internal candidates, the global chemical tanker and terminal company has announced the selection of Harald Fotland as the company’s new CEO.

Fotland is currently chief operating officer at Odfjell, a position he has held since 2018. “I am excited and honoured to take on the position as CEO of Odfjell,” said Fotland in a statement. “We have an impressive global team and are on a solid path of progress. My core task will be to ensure that we continue to provide world-class services in shipping and at our terminals—safely, sustainably, and more efficiently than anyone else in the industry,” he said. Mørch will continue to provide support for six months to ensure a seamless transition.

The Odfjell Group has operated for more than 100 years and is one of the leading players in the global market for seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other specialty bulk liquids. The company’s headquarters is located in Bergen, Norway, and its fleet comprises approximately 90 vessels, which form a web of trade routes on all continents.

Fotland joined Odfjell in 2010 as chief of staff. Before this, he was vice president at Gard AS from 2000 to 2010. He was appointed senior vice president of Odfjell Tankers in 2015, before assuming responsibility for operations. Fotland was the first chief operating officer at the company.

“Harald has excelled at leading innovative and transformative projects during his time at the Company. He has the expertise and experience to ensure continuity and progress, and to further strengthen Odfjell’s industry leadership”, said chair of Odfjell’s Board of Directors, Laurence Odfjell.

Fotland will assume the CEO position on May 6, 2022.