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New ShipServ management to drive ambitious growth strategy

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CEO Kim Skaarup - ambitious growth plans for the company
Maritime e-procurement platform ShipServ created executive management roles to drive growth, including the development and delivery of a range of new products and features in 2018.

Former EVP and chief legal officer Mikael Weis has moved into the position of COO, where his main focus will be to ensure that ShipServ continues to meet the needs of existing and prospective customers. Having served as SVP for 14 years, Don Staffin was appointed to EVP, responsible for business operations in the Americas, as well as global partner relationships and ShipServ’s cruise industry initiatives.

With 17 years’ experience at ShipServ, Weis will leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to head the sales, account management and marketing teams, as well as continuing to lead the legal team. He direct maritime experience, having served aboard vessels for several years prior to joining ShipServ, and holds a master mariner qualification.

ShipServ’s newly appointed CEO Kim Skaarup said Weis has a deep understanding of the business, having run account management for 10 years along with legal and compliance affairs, which are becoming more and more important to ship operators with as regulation tightens.

'Having Mikael assume the role of COO will also enable me to focus on delivering a number of key strategic initiatives, along with the newly announced SVP position held by Henrik Hyldahn, which we hope will drive real innovation in the maritime sector,' Skaarup said.

A marine e-commerce pioneer, Staffin will be integral to driving ShipServ’s business activities in the Americas, a key market. With the company since 2003, he has spearheaded its successful entry into the cruise market and the significant growth in North America.

Staffin also will be responsible for all partner relationships, including both software companies and other important stakeholders, such as the International Marine Purchasing Association.

Staffin's new role is crucial, Skaarup said, as it illustrates ShipServ's desire to work more effectively and build stronger ties with partners.

'We have ambitious growth plans for the company, and I’m confident that together with the management team, our partners and our customers, we can achieve [these],' Skaarup said.