Lars Reno Jakobsen Maersk

Denmark-based A.P. Møller-Maersk has announced that senior vice-president Lars Reno Jakobsen has been appointed as promoter and coordinator of the group's business expansion on the African continent, with particular focus on the Sub-Sahara.

Jakobsen will take up the position on 1 March 2012, a new role that is part of the group's efforts to expand business in growth markets in Africa.

Until now, Jakobsen has headed up the network and product division at Maersk Line, the group's container shipping business.

'We already have strong positions in Africa, but there are many more opportunities to be explored for our group,' said Kim Fejfer, CEO of APM Terminals. 'Lars Reno Jakobsen is the right person to coordinate and promote our initiatives.'

Meanwhile, Maersk Line has updated its organisation and set out a new team of executive managers with a blend of experienced executives and newcomers.

New to the management team - and Maersk Line - is Jakob Stausholm, former Group CFO of the global facility provider ISS. Also new on the team is Vincent Clerc, currently responsible for Maersk Line's Asia–Europe trade, and Bill Allen, Head of Group HR. Lucas Vos continues as member of the executive team, but take on new responsibility.

With immediate effect, the executive management of Maersk Line will consist of CEO Søren Skou, CCO Lucas Vos, COO Morten Engelstoft (continues in current position) chief strategy & transformation officer Jakob Stausholm, CFO Peter Rønnest Andersen (continues in current position), chief product & yield officer Vincent Clerc, and acting head of HR Bill Allen, who is also head of Group HR.