Lauritzen Bulkers appoints new CEO

Lauritzen Bulkers is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Sato as CEO, starting latest by December 1, 2025.

 

Martin Sato brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, having served as Director and Partner in BaltNav since 2017, and since 2024 as CEO of BaltNav. His extensive background also includes 18 years in the dry bulk business of J. Lauritzen, making him exceptionally well-suited to lead Lauritzen Bulkers.

 

Kristian Morch, Chairman of Lauritzen Bulkers, expressed his confidence in Martin's appointment: “Martin returns to Lauritzen Bulkers with deep knowledge from all parts of dry bulk shipping. He embodies the Lauritzen values, culture and ethics in his approach to doing business. It is therefore with great confidence that we entrust the responsibility for Lauritzen Bulkers to Martin. On behalf of the board, I warmly welcome Martin, and I look forward to working with him and the Lauritzen Bulkers team to further grow the company.”

 

Martin Sato shared his enthusiasm for the new role: “My career in dry bulk shipping began at Lauritzen Bulkers and being offered the opportunity to take on the position as their new CEO is an honour. I am excited to rejoin the team and contribute to the continued success of Lauritzen Bulkers."

 

We are also very pleased to announce the appointment of Kristian Hassing Wærness as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), starting latest by August 1, 2025.

 

Kristian will succeed Jacob Winthereik, who has served as CFO and interim CEO of Lauritzen Bulkers. Jacob will transition to J. Lauritzen, the sole shareholder of Lauritzen Bulkers, as their new CFO, upon completing the handover to Kristian.

 

Kristian Hassing Wærness brings a wealth of experience to Lauritzen Bulkers having previously held the role of Head of Finance in CIP Management Group. Prior to that, Kristian held similar positions in COWI and NORDEN, further solidifying a strong background in the industry.

 

Martin Sato, the incoming CEO of Lauritzen Bulkers, expressed his enthusiasm for Kristian's appointment: “Kristian joins Lauritzen Bulkers with a strong industry background, and I am very much looking forward to working with Kristian.”

 

Kristian Hassing Wærness shared his excitement about the new role: “I look forward to becoming part of a strong team and contributing to the development of Lauritzen Bulkers.”

 

Lauritzen Bulkers owns and operates handysize and ultramax bulk carriers. The current fleet comprises about 100 vessels, of which six vessels are owned. The company employs about 110 people and has offices in Copenhagen, Singapore, Dubai, Hongkong, Poland and Canada. Lauritzen Bulkers is wholly owned by J. Lauritzen.