New group CEO set to take over at COWI

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Incoming COWI group CEO Jens Højgaard Christoffersen (right) pictured with Lars-Peter Søbye, who has decided to step down.

Jens Højgaard Christoffersen takes over as COWI’s new group CEO on 1 October 2022.

On 1 October 2022, Jens Højgaard Christoffersen takes over as group CEO of COWI, succeeding Lars-Peter Søbye, who has decided to step down.

Christoffersen, who will be given the overall reins of the company when he assumes the position as group CEO, is currently a member of the COWI executive board as chief business development officer.

“This year, COWI has been revitalised by a new vision, new values and a new, future-oriented growth strategy,” said Jukka Pertola, chairman of the COWI board. “These initiatives have been embraced by the organisation, which is already evident from the half-year results, which show significant progress,” he said.

Pertola continued: “Thanks to FUTURE-NOW, our new strategy, COWI stands out as a streamlined business with a strong profile in the green transition. Therefore, this is the right time for Lars-Peter to pass on the baton, and especially to Jens Højgaard Christoffersen, who is a visionary and customer-oriented COWI man to the backbone. With Jens and our strong executive board at the helm, COWI will benefit from a mix of continuity and renewal, building on our values and culture.”

Commenting on his new role, Jens Højgaard Christoffersen said: “Of course, I’m immensely proud to be given the opportunity to lead COWI, but also deeply humbled. COWI plays an important role in advising our customers about how to quickly and safely navigate the green transition, thereby ensuring that our world becomes more sustainable. Transforming our society requires that we join forces with customers, partners and public authorities. Realising the green transition in time takes an open mind, trust and courage, and I will do whatever I can to make sure that COWI continues to do our part.”

New role for Lars-Peter Søbye

Lars-Peter Søbye, who has been with COWI for 36 years, the past 14 of them as group CEO, has taken the decision to step down to focus on a career as professional board member and spend more time with his family. “Like they say, you need to stop while the going is good, and that’s now, in my case,” he said.

“We’ve launched a new strategy, which has been embraced by our employees and customers. I’m so proud to have had the chance to be part of a company with such an important vision that does such important work in society and the world – together with engaged and talented colleagues. Our financial results are record-high and we’ve only just embarked on the green transition. Letting Jens take over the reins now will allow him and the management team to fine-tune our business and plans,” said Søbye.

For the next year, Søbye will act as an executive advisor and follow through on key outstanding issues to completion.

From 1 October 2022, the COWI executive board will consist of Jens Højgaard Christoffersen (group CEO), Natalie Shaverdian Riise-Knudsen (group CFO) and Rasmus Ødum (group COO). Also, a replacement for Søbye’s current position on the executive board will be found.