Denmark's Largest Commercial Port Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Port of Aarhus has appointed Ulrik Andersen as the company’s new CEO. He will take up the position on 1 May 2026.

Ulrik Andersen joins from the position as Municipal Chief Executive of Thisted Municipality, where he has held overall administrative responsibility for the past ten years. He therefore brings extensive experience in senior executive leadership, strategic development and managing organizations with complex stakeholder environments.

He also has knowledge of the port industry. Among other roles, he serves as a board member and has previously acted as interim CEO of Port of Hanstholm, where he also played a key role in the process of transforming the port into a Public Limited Company.

We are very pleased to welcome Ulrik Andersen as CEO of Port of Aarhus. In a strong field of candidates, we have found an experienced senior executive with both a visionary and strategic outlook, as well as a strong ability to navigate organizations with many stakeholders. Ulrik is also a well-liked and respected leader who can set a clear direction and bring people together around it. The Board is therefore convinced that he is the right person to lead the continued development of Port of Aarhus,

says Chair of the Board Susanne Juhl.

The Board has conducted a thorough recruitment process focused on identifying a profile capable of further developing the port’s strategic direction while strengthening collaboration with customers, the owner and other key stakeholders.

Port of Aarhus is Denmark’s most important commercial port and plays a vital role for Danish business, supply security and development both locally and nationally. It is an organization with strong historical roots and significant future potential. I look forward to getting to know the organization and the port’s many partners,and to working together with employees, the owner, the Board and our customers to further develop the port in the years ahead,

says Ulrik Andersen.

Ulrik Andersen will succeed Kåre Clemmesen, who has served as interim CEO since December 2025 and will continue in the role until the end of April.

The Board would like to thank Kåre Clemmesen for his strong contribution during an important period for Port of Aarhus. He has helped ensure stable operations and good momentum in the organization, and he is handing over a well-functioning organization to the new CEO,

concludes Chair of the Board Susanne Juhl.