Hempel Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Michael Hansen Prepares to Exit in 2026

Hempel Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Michael Hansen Prepares to Exit in 2026

(IN BRIEF) Hempel A/S has announced that its Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hansen, will step down from his role after accepting a new position as President and CEO of DFDS, a leading European ferry and logistics group employing more than 16,000 people. Hansen, who has led Hempel for nine years, will remain in his position until a successor is appointed and will continue to guide the company together with the Executive Group Management team, ensuring continuity in leadership and the ongoing execution of Hempel’s strategic priorities, with his departure scheduled no later than 30 June 2026. The Board of Directors has activated a formal CEO search process in line with its succession planning framework and will provide updates in due course. Board Chair Richard Sand thanked Hansen for his significant contributions, noting that under his leadership Hempel has strengthened both its strategic position and financial performance, and expressed full confidence in management’s ability to maintain momentum during the transition. Hansen said he is proud of what the organisation has achieved during his tenure and remains fully committed to leading the company through this period, adding that Hempel is well positioned for continued growth and long-term success.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 12-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hempel A/S has announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hansen, will step down from his role after accepting a new position outside the company. Hansen will assume the role of President and CEO of DFDS, a leading European ferry transport and logistics group employing more than 16,000 people. His departure marks the end of a nine-year tenure at Hempel, during which the company significantly strengthened its strategic positioning and financial performance.

In line with its established succession planning framework, Hempel’s Board of Directors has initiated a formal search process to identify the company’s next CEO. Until a successor is appointed, Michael Hansen will continue to lead the company together with the Executive Group Management team, ensuring continuity in leadership and the continued execution of Hempel’s strategic priorities. Hansen is expected to remain in his role until no later than 30 June 2026.

Commenting on the transition, Richard Sand, Chair of Hempel’s Board of Directors, expressed his appreciation for Hansen’s leadership and contributions. He highlighted the strong collaboration between the Board, management team and employees during Hansen’s tenure, noting that this collective effort has played a key role in strengthening Hempel’s long-term competitiveness and performance. Sand also emphasized the Board’s confidence in the company’s leadership team to maintain strategic momentum during the transition period.

Michael Hansen reflected on his time at Hempel, describing it as a privilege to work alongside colleagues across the organization. He expressed pride in the progress achieved during his tenure and reaffirmed his commitment to leading the company responsibly until a successor is in place. Hansen stated that Hempel is built on a strong foundation and is well positioned to continue delivering value to customers, partners and stakeholders in the years ahead.

Media 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. www.hempel.com

SOURCE: Hempel A/S