KPI OceanConnect, one of the most prominent names in global marine energy solutions, has announced the permanent appointment of Dorthe Bendtsen as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 May 2025. This decision follows her successful tenure as interim CEO since December 2024.
Her promotion is not just a transition in leadership—it is a powerful moment for the maritime energy industry, marking a historic milestone in the growing representation of women at the highest levels of executive leadership in the global bunkering sector.
A Seasoned Veteran with Deep Industry Expertise
Dorthe Bendtsen brings an impressive 16 years and 7 months of experience at KPI OceanConnect, making her appointment a logical and strategic step forward for the organization.
Her journey at the company began in November 2008 when she joined as Head of Corporate Services, a role she held for 14 years and 6 months until April 2023. In that capacity, she was instrumental in building and refining the organization’s operational and governance infrastructure during a period of immense change and growth.
In April 2023, Bendtsen was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where she led operational strategy and efficiency across KPI OceanConnect’s global offices. Her success in this role earned her the trust of the board and executive leadership, leading to her appointment as interim CEO in November 2024, and now as the permanent Chief Executive Officer.
An Industry Leader Committed to Excellence and Innovation
In her first official remarks as CEO, Bendtsen conveyed a deep sense of purpose and a clear vision for the company’s future:
“At what is a critical time of change for the marine energy sector and the wider maritime industry, I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at KPI OceanConnect. I am especially excited to continue working with our talented teams to bolster KPI OceanConnect’s commitment to excellence and drive for innovation, and to deliver tangible value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Her leadership will focus on building resilience, operational agility, and continued strategic growth, with particular emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and a customer-centric culture.
A Global Company with a Powerful Footprint
KPI OceanConnect has more than 150 employees across 15 offices worldwide, and delivers approximately 12 million tonnes of marine fuel annually to clients across shipping sectors. The company has built a reputation over the past 50+ years for offering reliable, forward-thinking marine energy solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
Under Bendtsen’s leadership, the company is expected to further sharpen its strategic focus and reinforce its position as a market leader in an increasingly complex and sustainability-focused global energy environment.
Endorsement from Industry Leadership
Anders Grønborg, who previously served as CEO of KPI OceanConnect and is now Chief Commercial Officer at Bunker Holding, expressed strong confidence in Bendtsen’s ability to lead the company into the future:
“I have no doubt that Dorthe Bendtsen, with her track record of strategic thinking, inclusive leadership, and dedication to organisational growth, will successfully steer KPI OceanConnect in the ever-changing landscape of our industry. I wish her and the entire team every continued success.”
An Inspirational Milestone for Women in Maritime Energy
Dorthe Bendtsen’s appointment is particularly noteworthy as it marks a significant step forward for gender diversity and inclusion in the maritime and energy sectors—industries that have traditionally seen limited female representation in senior executive roles.
Her rise to CEO is emblematic of the broader transformation taking place across the maritime world, where inclusive leadership, competency-based advancement, and diverse perspectives are becoming essential drivers of growth and innovation.
By becoming one of the few women to lead a global bunkering and marine energy company, Bendtsen is blazing a trail for future generations of women aiming for leadership positions in the maritime sector.
A Strong Academic Foundation in Business and Global Affairs
Dorthe Bendtsen’s executive capabilities are underpinned by a solid academic background in business, governance, and international relations:
- She holds a Master of Arts in Management from the University of Westminster (2008–2010), where she developed advanced skills in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development.
- She earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics from London Metropolitan University (2000–2003), providing her with a global perspective on economic systems and diplomatic policy.
- She is also a Chartered Corporate Governance Professional, further enhancing her expertise in ethics, compliance, and sustainable business practices.
These qualifications not only demonstrate her intellectual depth but also support her ability to lead a global business with integrity and vision.
Vision for the Future: Resilience, Sustainability, and People-Centric Growth
Bendtsen has laid out a clear and purposeful roadmap for KPI OceanConnect’s future, one that focuses on delivering value across all stakeholder groups—clients, partners, employees, and the wider maritime ecosystem.
“We aim to empower our teams to respond to challenges innovatively and to maintain a customer-centric approach in everything we do. Adding our robust governance structures, cutting-edge sustainability strategy, and drive towards a more inclusive and competence-driven culture, we are confident that we will deliver long-term success for all our stakeholders.”
Her vision aligns seamlessly with KPI OceanConnect’s strategic goals, ensuring the company is well-positioned to support shipping’s transition to Alternative fuels, navigate complex regulatory environments, and remain an agile partner in an unpredictable global economy.
About KPI OceanConnect
KPI OceanConnect is a leading global provider of marine energy solutions, with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions to the maritime industry. The company offers a full spectrum of marine fuels and energy services, including traditional and alternative fuels, while supporting clients in navigating the complexities of the energy transition. With a presence in key maritime hubs worldwide, KPI OceanConnect is committed to advancing decarbonization efforts across the marine fuels value chain.
Source KPI OceanConnect