Vincent Clerc, a seasoned professional with a career spanning over two decades at Maersk, took the helm as CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk in January 2023. His appointment marked a strategic move to navigate the shipping giant through a period of slowing container demand, a challenge exacerbated by plummeting freight rates in the core container shipping business amidst global economic uncertainties.
Clerc, a Swiss citizen born in 1972, began his journey with Maersk in 1998, steadily rising through the ranks. Before assuming the role of CEO, he held key leadership positions in both the USA and Denmark, showcasing his diverse and extensive experience in the industry. Notably, in December 2015, he was appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Maersk Line, demonstrating a strategic focus on customer value through the development of seamless services and digital innovation.
Upon Clerc’s assesention to his current CEO role, Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla said "I think it's an advantage for the company to have some new energy in the CEO position... at a time when we can see turbulence on the horizon". He also acknowledged the changing dynamics, noting that the strong tailwinds that benefited supply chain industries during the pandemic were coming to an end.
Clerc's journey within the company reflects his commitment to driving innovation and transformation. In December 2019, he assumed the role of CEO of Ocean & Logistics at A.P. Moller - Maersk, leading a comprehensive enterprise-wide transformation to position the company as the integrator of container logistics. This move showcased his strategic vision and ability to steer the company towards new frontiers.
Beyond his operational achievements, Clerc boasts an impressive academic background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Lausanne, and MBAs from both Columbia Business School (New York) and London Business School.
Maersk, headquartered in Copenhagen, stands as one of the world's largest shipping and logistics companies, playing a pivotal role in global supply chains. Employing over 100,000 individuals across 130 countries, it handles supply chains for major clients like Walmart and Nike. The company has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable shipping, making substantial investments in eco-friendly practices. Notably, Maersk has pioneered the use of lower-emission bio-methanol in 25 container ships, with plans for 19 more to launch by 2025.
Clerc's rise to the company’s top position arrived at a critical juncture, requiring adept leadership to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving global economic landscape. As Maersk continues to be a driving force in the shipping and logistics sector, all eyes are on Clerc to continue leading the company through this period of transition.