From November 1, Kristian Jakobsen and Søren Karas will take the helm as co-CEOs of ESVAGT, succeeding Peter Lytzen, who announced his retirement. The shift represents a strategic move for ESVAGT, a leading offshore safety and support provider, with the leadership transition set to fuel growth and innovation across its offshore wind and oil and gas service offerings.
Jakobsen, previously ESVAGT’s Deputy CEO since 2018, brings extensive experience in operations, while Karas, former Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer since 2017, has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategic and commercial initiatives. Together, they’ll steer ESVAGT as it continues expanding internationally, strengthening its presence in the offshore renewable sector while maintaining a commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Jakob Thomasen, ESVAGT’s Chair, expressed his confidence in the new leadership duo, praising both Jakobsen and Karas for their deep understanding of the company’s values and culture. “I am delighted that we have strong CEO successors within ESVAGT in Kristian and Søren,” Thomasen stated. “The shared CEO role aligns well with our strategy and operating model, and it will help us drive further growth through our offshore service solutions.”
The dual leadership model, rare in the industry, underscores ESVAGT’s confidence in the collaborative approach that Jakobsen and Karas bring to the table. The move aims to balance operational expertise with strategic foresight, a synergy that ESVAGT believes is key to navigating the complex demands of offshore support. The timing of the leadership change is also critical, as the industry anticipates robust growth driven by the global shift toward renewable energy. With a market-leading fleet of Service Operation Vessels (SOVs) supporting offshore wind farms—a concept pioneered by ESVAGT in 2010—the company stands well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy infrastructure support.
Jakobsen and Karas expressed their enthusiasm for their new roles, noting the exciting growth potential ahead. In a joint statement, they remarked, “We thank Peter for his strong leadership of ESVAGT and for being an excellent colleague. We are pleased to assume the roles of co-CEOs at an exciting time with great potential for the company. We are committed to accelerating our international growth while continuing to deliver excellent operations and services for our customers and partners, as well as providing an attractive workplace for our employees.”
Peter Lytzen’s tenure saw ESVAGT evolve into a prominent player in the offshore renewables sector, complemented by a strong footing in oil and gas support services. Reflecting on his departure, Lytzen stated, “My time at ESVAGT has been a tremendous journey, but everything has its time. I have concluded this is the right time to retire, and I am delighted that Kristian and Søren have accepted to take over the helm. Having worked closely with Kristian and Søren for more than six years, I know they both have the experience and ability to continue ESVAGT’s successful journey, but most importantly, also the talent and innovation it takes to guide ESVAGT into the future.”
Founded in 1981, ESVAGT operates a fleet of over 40 vessels, employing around 1,300 people both offshore and onshore. The company’s dedication to safety and innovation has set it apart, especially in emergency response and rescue vessel (ERRV) operations for oil and gas, and pioneering SOVs for offshore wind farms. ESVAGT’s continued expansion in renewable energy support aligns with global trends favoring sustainable energy sources, which Jakobsen and Karas are keen to capitalize on as they take on their new roles.
