01 November 2018 – Global ship agency business WaterFront Maritime Services (WaterFront) has today announced the appointment of industry veteran Tormod Ognedal as its new Business Development Manager for Europe, to support the company’s continued growth and expansion.
After 17 years with Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) as Senior General Manager and having gained over 30 years experience in international shipping & logistics, Ognedal has been appointed to oversee the expansion of WaterFront’s client portfolio across Europe. Prior to his role at ISS, Ognedal worked for Barwil Agencies (now Wilhelmsen) as a Sales Manager.
Tormod will head up WaterFront’s business development and relationship management functions in Europe. He will work as an integral part of the WaterFront Business Development Team, which operates from strategic bases in Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai and Miami. Ognedal will report directly to Chief Executive Officer, Terry Gidlow.
Speaking on his appointment, Ognedal commented:
“The port agency business has changed a lot in the last few years, and there is huge demand from customers for their port agent to find new ways for adding value, ensuring best practice, delivering cost efficiencies and providing a first-class service. This demand for cost savings and synergies requires local knowledge, financial strength, local relationships and excellent teamwork, which is exactly what WaterFront provides.
“By combining a really intuitive data management system and established networks with serious pedigree, WaterFront provides a new platform for delivering significant value to the market. In working as part of a global team, I will be able to maintain good relationships and work closely with business partners, owners, charterers, and traders, as well as crew and ship managers.”
Terry Gidlow, Chief Executive Officer, WaterFront Maritime Services, commented:
“Tormod is well known in the industry for his integrity, commitment and relationships in the market, and we are delighted to welcome him to our team. His experience, skills and relationships within the market will dovetail perfectly with our strategy of winning sustainable business by creating tangible value for our customers.”
WaterFront was established by leading regional ship agency businesses Sharaf Shipping Agencies and Ben Line Agencies in 2016. Having built a global network comprising Proprietary and Network Partner offices, the company is now represented through over 415 offices in more than 67 countries. This makes WaterFront comparable in size to the largest global ship agency companies.
