HHLA Announces Major Supervisory Board Changes with New Leadership and City Representatives

Marcus Vitt is set to become the Chairman of HHLA's Supervisory Board effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Prof. Dr. Rudiger Grube who will depart on September 30, 2025. This leadership transition represents a pivotal moment for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, one of Europe's foremost logistics enterprises. Senator Dr. Andreas Dressel and Katharina Kriston will also join the Supervisory Board, bringing fresh perspectives to the company's governance structure.

The changes extend beyond the chairman position, as current City of Hamburg representatives Andreas Rieckhof and Dr. Sibylle Roggencamp are simultaneously stepping down from their supervisory roles. These coordinated departures and appointments signal a comprehensive restructuring of shareholder representation on the board. The nomination process followed established protocols, with the appointments made in agreement with the Nomination Committee of the HHLA Supervisory Board, ensuring proper governance procedures were maintained throughout the transition.

Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard, speaking on behalf of HHLA's majority shareholder Port of Hamburg Beteiligungsgesellschaft (PoH), acknowledged Prof. Dr. Grube's significant contributions during his eight-year tenure. She emphasized that under his leadership, HHLA navigated numerous global challenges and critical internal processes. The appointment of Marcus Vitt, described as an expert in finance, indicates a strategic focus on financial stewardship during a period of economic uncertainty and transformation in the logistics sector.

The new board composition reflects the unique structure of HHLA's governance, where the Supervisory Board consists of twelve members with equal representation from employees and shareholders. The six employee representatives are determined according to the German Co-Determination Act, while the City of Hamburg and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company each propose three supervisory board members. This balanced approach ensures diverse stakeholder interests are represented in corporate decision-making.

The impending court appointment of the three new members will formalize these changes, providing stability and continuity in HHLA's leadership. These developments occur against the backdrop of HHLA's position as a critical logistics and digital hub along future transport flows, operating seaport terminals in Hamburg, Odessa, Tallinn, and Trieste with extensive hinterland connections throughout Central and Eastern Europe. The board changes may influence the company's strategic direction regarding innovative technologies and sustainability commitments that form the core of its business model. Further information about HHLA's operations and structure can be found at https://www.hhla.de/en.