Western Bulk Chartering AS has announced the appointment of Torbjørn Gjervik as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2024. This strategic move comes after a thorough recruitment process by the Board of Directors, who believe Gjervik’s extensive experience and commitment to the company make him the ideal leader for the future.
Bengt A. Rem, Chairman of the Board, expressed his confidence in Gjervik’s abilities, stating, “I am pleased to announce Torbjørn as the new CEO of Western Bulk. He brings vast industry experience, a track record, and a strong personal drive to enhance our value creation opportunities as a trading-oriented, asset-light dry bulk operator. Torbjørn is a true company man with a Western Bulk pedigree spanning from trainee entry in 2011 to climbing the ladder to the very top. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the management team for the further development of Western Bulk.”
Gjervik’s journey with Western Bulk began in 2011, and he has since held various significant roles within the company. Most recently, he served as the Head of North Atlantic, overseeing key operations and contributing to the company’s global strategy. His career also includes a notable seven-year tenure in Singapore, where he held the position of Managing Director, showcasing his ability to lead and grow in diverse markets.
The transition in leadership follows the interim tenure of Ørjan Svanevik, a Board member who stepped in as CEO in March 2023. Svanevik will continue to serve on the Board, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in governance. This seamless handover underscores the Board’s commitment to stability and strategic growth.
Gjervik himself expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the company’s collaborative culture and forward-thinking approach. “I’m excited to be working on further refining our asset-light trading model, together with great colleagues across the globe. We are on the right path, working smart and hard together as one company to create value for our shareholders and our customers in the dry bulk market,” he stated.
Western Bulk Chartering operates with an asset-light model, focusing on trading and chartering in the dry bulk market. This approach allows the company to remain flexible and responsive to market changes, optimizing operations without the burden of heavy asset ownership. Gjervik’s vision aligns with this model, aiming to leverage the company’s strengths and drive it toward greater value creation.
As the new CEO, Gjervik is expected to lead Western Bulk through its next phase of growth, capitalizing on his deep understanding of the industry and the company’s dynamics. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Western Bulk, signaling a continued commitment to excellence and innovation in the dry bulk sector.
The maritime, breakbulk, and logistics community will be watching closely as Gjervik steps into his new role, anticipating further advancements and strategic initiatives under his leadership. Western Bulk’s ability to navigate the complexities of the global market while maintaining an asset-light strategy will be key to its ongoing success.
With Gjervik at the helm, Western Bulk is poised to strengthen its position in the industry, fostering growth and delivering value to its stakeholders. The company’s future looks promising as it continues to adapt and thrive under its new leadership.
