Oldendorff Carriers’ Peter Twiss on Retirement: ‘Timing is Everything’

Peter Twiss has stepped down from his role as President and CEO of German-based shipping company Oldendorff Carriers, effective immediately, after more than 20 years in the role and 28 years with the company. He has decided to retire, the company said.

The board of the company has appointed Patrick Hutchins as the new President and CEO.

Founded in 1921, Oldendorff Carriers specializes in the transportation of dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, and fertilizers. The company operates a large fleet of bulk carriers, including self-unloading vessels. It is headquartered in Luebeck, Germany, with additional offices and operations in various countries around the world.

“Peters’ outstanding career started at Concept Carriers in 1995, a start-up company which was established by owner Henning Oldendorff as an operating arm, with the aim of moving closer to the cargo clients. Peter quickly rose through the ranks, and after running Concept Carriers in the late 90s and being co-CEO of Oldendorff Carriers, he became its sole CEO in January 2003,” the company said in a statement.

“Peter introduced and cultivated a unique form of bottom-up management, empowering people to make their own decisions, which was hugely motivating and made them strive for more. Last year, the company achieved its best result in its 102-year history and increased its shore-side staff by around 10%. On the back of this success, we became a market leader in several dry bulk trades,” the company said.

On the timing of Twiss’ departure, Oldendorff Carriers said Twiss “wanted to leave when everything was in good order.”

“Timing is everything in shipping,” Twiss said. “Another main reason for leaving now is that I have trained and mentored many Oldendorff employees. They have made me very proud, and I want them to have the same opportunities that I had when I was younger. By making room at the top, it gives employees a chance to move up.”

“Thanks to Peter’s leadership and constant coaching, the company is in an excellent shape and running on all cylinders. Peter chose this moment, making sure he is handing over a robust company,” said company chairman Henning Oldendorff. “For more than 25 years, Peter and I enjoyed a close working relationship, built on trust and friendship, for which I will be forever grateful. Together with our people and our global board, we have enjoyed countless adventures and weathered many storms. Peter will be around to support and assist the new CEO for as long as is required.”

Patrick Hutchins, who will relocate to Germany, has overseen the commercial teams at Oldendorff Carriers for all trades and all different vessel sizes, most recently heading the Capesize segment. Hutchins has been with the company since October 1999 and became a founding board member in 2007.

“This handover is a celebration for the wonderful things Peter Twiss has achieved in his tenure as CEO at Oldendorff Carriers. He leaves the company in the best of shape, and I sincerely believe we can build on his achievements to take the company forward,” Hutchins said.

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