“To me, leadership and learning are entwined with one another. After a fulfilling career at sea, in 2012 I came ashore to pursue my constant quest for learning, growth and development opportunities. I continued my career with Maersk in a role aimed at systemising risk and crisis management in the areas of shipboard HSE, security, navigation and cargo management. In 2016, I humbly accepted a role leading the strategic shared-value RSR programme, anchored in the former sustainability function. Working across brands and geographies, my task was to tackle the industry the International Labour Office – the UN’s agency setting standards for workers – termed ‘most dangerous’, with 90% of ships undergoing recycling at sub-standard facilities in South Asia.”
‘Black spot’ industry challenge; leading sustainable change
“In the absence of a global mandatory regulatory framework, ship recycling is a black spot in the shipping value chain. While we knew it would be challenging for one company to change this, we decided to act, and conceived a flagship programme to transform the industry. Over the past five years, through engagement on the ground as a catalyst, we selectively collaborated through relational integration, created a win-win proposition for yards to invest in upgrades and increased transparency in the value chain. As a change agent, I manoeuvred through the complexities of an international political landscape, identifying measures to incentivise the local ship recycling industry to step up and reach international standards. I also convinced shipping stakeholders, local and global NGO groups to play their part.
“The journey has been a high-impact one – from leading high-profile delegations of customers, investors, and top media houses, to joining debates in the EU parliament, communicating our strategic priorities and the impact achieved.
“To date, we have responsibly recycled over 25 ships globally, far exceeding the regulatory framework.”
