Karl Gernandt

Hapag-Lloyd AG has announced an immediate shift in its leadership structure. Karl Gernandt has been elected as the new Chairman of the Supervisory Board, succeeding Michael Behrendt, who is stepping down from the role due to health reasons but will remain an ordinary member of the board.

The Supervisory Board noted that this decision is a practical measure and emphasized their hope for Behrendt’s eventual return to the Chairmanship upon his recovery.

Key Leadership Transitions

This appointment has triggered several subsequent changes within the board’s specialized committees and shareholder representation:

  • Audit and Financial Committee: Following his move to Chairman, Karl Gernandt has handed over the Chairmanship of this committee to Oscar Eduardo Hasbún Martínez, a board member since 2014.

  • Shareholder Representation (CSAV): Francisco Pérez Mackenna stepped down from the board at his own request on February 1, 2026.

  • New Board Member: Macario Valdés Raczynski was appointed by the Local Court of Hamburg on February 13, 2026, to succeed Mackenna as a representative for CSAV’s shareholders.

Context and Strategy

Karl Gernandt is a seasoned executive with deep ties to the shipping and logistics industry. His transition into the Chairmanship ensures leadership stability for Hapag-Lloyd during a period of significant alliance shifts and ongoing modernization within the container shipping sector.

“The Supervisory Board will deliberate on Michael Behrendt’s return as Chairman at the appropriate time following his full recovery.”

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