HHLA Supervisory Board Undergoes Major Leadership Changes with New Chairman and Members

Marcus Vitt will assume the role of Chairman of HHLA's Supervisory Board effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Prof. Dr. Rudiger Grube who concludes his eight-year tenure on September 30, 2025. The leadership transition represents a significant governance change for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, one of Europe's leading logistics companies with operations spanning multiple seaport terminals and intermodal hubs across Europe.

Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard, speaking on behalf of HHLA's majority shareholder Port of Hamburg Beteiligungsgesellschaft (PoH), acknowledged Prof. Dr. Grube's successful leadership during eventful global times and his guidance through many important company processes. The appointment of Marcus Vitt, described as an expert in finance and current Chairman of the Hamburg Stock Exchange Council, signals a strategic focus on financial expertise in HHLA's governance structure.

Alongside Prof. Dr. Grube's departure, two current City of Hamburg representatives—Andreas Rieckhof, State Secretary of the Economic Authority, and Dr. Sibylle Roggencamp, Head of the Office for Investment Management in the Authority for Finance and Districts—are also stepping down from the Supervisory Board. This comprehensive leadership change reflects broader strategic realignments within Hamburg's port management governance.

In agreement with the Nomination Committee, Marcus Vitt will be joined by two new Supervisory Board members: Senator Dr. Andreas Dressel, Head of the Authority for Finance and Districts, and Katharina Kriston, Head of the Central Office of the Authority for the Economy, Employment and Innovation. The application for court-appointment of these three new members will be submitted shortly, ensuring continuity in HHLA's oversight functions.

HHLA's Supervisory Board structure consists of twelve members with equal representation between employee and shareholder representatives, operating under Germany's Co-Determination Act regulations. The City of Hamburg and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company each hold the right to propose three Supervisory Board members, with the Chair position traditionally proposed by the City. This governance model ensures balanced stakeholder representation in one of Europe's critical logistics infrastructure companies. More information about HHLA's operations can be found at https://www.hhla.de/en.

The leadership changes come at a crucial time for global logistics and port operations, with HHLA maintaining strategic terminals in Hamburg, Odessa, Tallinn, and Trieste. The appointment of financial expert Marcus Vitt as Chairman suggests increased focus on financial stability and strategic investments in HHLA's continued expansion as a logistics and digital hub along future transport flows. These governance changes may influence HHLA's strategic direction in adapting to evolving global trade patterns and sustainability commitments in the logistics sector.