Marine insurer Skuld has announced significant leadership changes in its Piraeus and Western Europe offices as part of its ongoing regional strategy. The changes are designed to strengthen the company’s presence in key maritime markets.
Leadership Change in Piraeus Office
Kjell-Åke Augustsson, currently senior vice president and head of Skuld Piraeus, will retire on February 28, 2026, after a distinguished career with the company. Augustsson joined Skuld in 1990 and has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s operations in Piraeus since 2015. He will remain in his current position through the 2026 protection and indemnity (P&I) renewal cycle to ensure a smooth transition.
Leandros Kotsakis will assume leadership of the Piraeus office on March 1, 2026. Kotsakis has been with Skuld’s claims organization since 2007 and has extensive experience working in the Greek market. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the office. Thea Thorstensen, senior vice president of business development, will handle underwriting activities for the region in coordination with Skuld’s broader business development strategy.
Changes in Western Europe Business Unit
In a related development, Mudit Singh will take over as the leader of Skuld’s Western Europe business unit effective June 15. Singh, who joined Skuld in 2018, previously served as head of freight, demurrage, and defense (FDD) for the region. Erwan Merrien will support Singh as vice-president and head of underwriting for Western Europe. Thorstensen will transition to her new role managing underwriting activities in the Greek market.
Skuld’s president and CEO, Ståle Hansen, praised Augustsson’s contributions to the company, stating, “Kjell-Åke’s contributions to Skuld are invaluable, and we are grateful for his dedication and hard work over the years. We wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement.” Hansen also highlighted that these changes reflect Skuld’s commitment to its European markets and its ability to fill key roles with internal talent.
These leadership changes are part of Skuld’s strategic plan to manage transitions across operational areas, ensuring continuity and stability in its key markets. The appointments demonstrate the company’s confidence in its internal talent pool and its commitment to maintaining strong leadership across its European operations.
