Maersk appoints Christopher Cook as new Managing Director of UK & Ireland Area

Christopher Cook, currently Managing Director of Maersk’s India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka Area, will take over as the new Managing Director of UK & Ireland Area with the start of the new year.

The British national joined Maersk as a trainee in 2002 and has worked over the last two decades across Africa, Europe, Middle East and India with both Damco and Maersk. Christopher Cook has spent the last 7 years in the IMEA region, initially as Managing Director in the UAE Area, successfully leading the integration and transformation of the business there. Most recently, he served as Managing Director for IBS Area where he has operationalised the long-term strategy for the Area, deepened the operational execution capability and lifted the profitability with successful growth across the portfolio.

“I am very pleased to welcome Chris to our Region Europe leadership team as our new head of UK and Ireland Area,” said Aymeric Chandavoine, EVP & President Region Europe at Maersk. “Chris is no stranger to the UK and brings a strong customer focus. He is also known for his passion about people and developing strong culture in the organisations he leads.”

Thomas Theeuwes succeeds Cook as new Managing Director for India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka.

Theeuwes brings nearly two decades of global expertise to the role, most recently serving as Managing Director of the West Africa Area since 2024. Since joining Maersk in Belgium in 2007, he has held senior commercial and leadership positions across Europe, China, and Africa, consistently driving operational excellence and customer-centric growth.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Thomas to his new role in one of our most important markets,” said Richard Morgan, Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa. “Thomas is a seasoned leader, and his experience from various parts of the world will aid our growth in this region.”