HES International, Europe’s largest independent bulk terminal operators, is pleased to announce the addition of two highly accomplished professionals to its team, Søren Skou as the independent chair of HES’ Supervisory Board and Joop de Rooij as chief commercial officer. Søren Skou, with nearly four decades of experience, brings a wealth of leadership expertise. He served as CEO of Maersk between 2016 and 2022, with international experience in Denmark, the United States, and China. Notably, he also chaired APM Terminals, a Maersk subsidiary based in The Hague, Netherlands, from 2016 to 2021. Mr. Skou’s extensive expertise in the ports industry positions him as a valuable asset to the team. Presently, he serves as the chair of the Maersk McKinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, spearheading initiatives aimed at discovering technical and regulatory solutions to drive the green transition within the Maritime industry. Furthermore, Mr. Skou holds the role of vice chairman at the prominent telecommunications equipment provider, Nokia.
Joop de Rooij, the former CEO of Fetim Group, an international trading company founded in 1919, joins HES International as chief commercial officer. With a remarkable track record spanning 30 years, notably as chairman of corporate finance and COO of KPMG Advisory, Mr. de Rooij specialises in operational growth, business development, financing, and mergers & acquisitions. Mr. de Rooij also served as an industry advisor and operating partner at Advent Private Equity, and as CFO of SHV holding. He is passionate about driving sustainable, profitable growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Mr. de Rooij will focus on enhancing sales and business development activities and growing HES’s customer base, as the company expands its green energy offering and solidifies its position in agricultural goods, minerals, iron ore and liquids handling.
Cees van Gent, chairman of the executive board and CEO of HES International, said: “We are excited to welcome these two highly experienced individuals to our team. Their collective knowledge and proven track record will play a pivotal role in realising our growth ambitions, particularly as we navigate the evolving landscape of raw materials and energy transition.”
Søren Skou, said: “I believe HES International has the right vision and an exceptional team to achieve its strategic ambitions. I am delighted to be part of this forward-thinking organisation and contribute to its continued success”.
Joop de Rooij, said: “I am thrilled to join HES International and lead its commercial operations. With HES’s current market position and a clearly defined commercial strategy in place, I am confident that we can not only sustain our leadership but also explore new avenues for growth”.
For more information visit www.hesinternational.eu/en/
