Hempel to initiate CEO succession as Michael Hansen steps down
Michael Hansen will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hempel A/S to take on a role outside Hempel A/S. In line with the established succession preparedness, the Board of Directors has activated a search process and will provide an update when the next CEO is in place.
Copenhagen, 12 January 2026: Michael Hansen, Group President and CEO of Hempel A/S has informed the Board of Directors that he wishes to resign as he has accepted the position as President and CEO of DFDS, which is a European leader in ferry transport and logistics, with over 16,000 employees.
Until a successor has been appointed, Michael will, together with the Executive Group Management team, continue to lead the company and execute on Hempel’s strategic priorities. Michael Hansen will leave Hempel no later than 30 June 2026.
Commenting on Michael’s decision, Richard Sand, Chair of the Board, said: “On behalf of the Board, I want to express my appreciation to Michael for his strong leadership and the significant contribution he has made to Hempel over the nine years he has served the company. Through strong collaboration between the Board, the Executive Group Management team, and the entire organisation, Hempel has during Michael’s tenure as CEO strengthened its strategic position and financial performance considerably.”
Richard Sand continues: “The Board has full confidence in Michael’s and the management team’s continued ability to ensure continued execution of our strategic priorities during this transition. Hempel remains dedicated to its strategy, and fully focused on delivering value for our customers and stakeholders.”
Michael Hansen said: “It is an honour to serve as CEO of Hempel and to work alongside such talented colleagues across the organisation. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and remain fully committed to leading the business until a successor is in place. I want to thank the Board of Hempel A/S for their continued unwavering support and all my colleagues for their dedication and collaboration. Hempel stands on a strong foundation, and I am confident that the company will continue to thrive.”
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Press contact:
Alexandra Thiis Billing, PR Manager
Email: communications@hempel.com
Tel: +45 4089 4240
About Hempel
As a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions, Hempel is a global company with strong values, working with customers in the decorative, marine, infrastructure and energy industries. Hempel factories, R&D centres and stock points are established in every region.
Across the globe, Hempel’s paints and coatings can be found in almost every country of the world. They protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers’ businesses. They help minimise maintenance costs, improve aesthetics and increase energy efficiency.
At Hempel, our purpose is to shape a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions. We firmly believe that we will succeed as a business only if we place sustainability at our heart. Not only is it the right thing to do, it will strengthen our competitive position, make ourselves more resilient and reduce our risk.
Hempel was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1915. It is majority owned by the Hempel Foundation, which ensures a solid economic base for the Hempel Group and supports cultural, social, humanitarian and scientific purposes around the world.
