Svitzer A/S appoints new global COO

Svitzer, world leading towage operator and part of Maersk, is welcoming Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO)

On 1 December 2020, Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard will take up the role as global COO of Svitzer A/S, reporting to CEO Kasper Friis Nilaus, the company has announced today. Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard joins Svitzer from her current position as Global Head of Equipment and VP at Maersk and takes over from Svitzer’s current COO, Leonardo Sonzio, who will be moving on to become Maersk's Head of Fleet Operations.

Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer commented on the appointment: “Today, innovative thinking and a digital mindset is crucial to succeed as a global towage operator and this is precisely what Ingrid stands for. She brings to Svitzer an extensive commercial and operational background that fits well with our ambitions to further strengthen the services we deliver to our customers. Beyond running operations with a strong eye on safety and efficiency, Ingrid applies a digital, innovative mindset and approach to her work and leadership. We aim to leverage technologies and find new ways of doing business to support our customers’ needs, now and in the future, and Ingrid is a great match for this mission.”

Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard holds a degree in Economics and Languages from Hogeschool Zeeland, and a degree in Business Management from Nyenrode University in the Netherlands. She is also a well-known face at Maersk. Prior to her current role as Global Head of Equipment in Maersk, she also held Maersk Line positions as Managing Director, Eastern Central Europe, and Trade Manager North America to/from Mediterranean. 

Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard commented on the appointment: “I am very excited about the opportunity to become the global COO of Svitzer. Svitzer has a great history shown by a strong track record of high performance, and is committed to creating the right customer experience and engagement to secure value for our partners. By leveraging digital technology to perform better internally and externally and by ensuring high safety standards, I am committed to bringing this exciting agenda forward together with the rest of the Svitzer team.”

Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard will be based in Copenhagen and commences her new role from 1 December. 

“I am confident that Ingrid is the right person to take over from Leonardo Sonzio. While I am, of course, sad to see Leonardo leave Svitzer, I am also proud that he is moving on to a significant role at Maersk. Leonardo has played a crucial role in bringing Svitzer to where we are today, and I thank him wholeheartedly for his contributions,” said Kasper Friis Nilaus.