First woman after 114 years of association history
Dr. Gaby Bornheim new President of the German Shipowners' Association
The Board of Directors of the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) has elected Dr. Gaby Bornheim, Managing Director of Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, as President of the association. As planned, this marks the end of the term of office of Captain Alfred Hartmann, who has led the association since the beginning of 2015. The 74-year-old did not stand for re-election after seven years in this honorary position.
As Managing Director, Dr. Bornheim has been jointly responsible for the successful management of Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, one of Germany's largest shipping companies, for many years. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Hamburg, the company employs around 5,000 people worldwide at sea and on land and commercially manages a fleet of around 500 ships, including 400 container ships as well as bulkers and multipurpose freighters, 120 of which are also technically managed.Dr. Gaby Bornheim is the first woman to hold the office of President in the 114-year history of the VDR.
"I am very pleased about the election of Dr. Bornheim," said outgoing President Alfred Hartmann: "I am sure that my successor will lead the association excellently and continue to represent the interests of German merchant shipping nationally and internationally with vigour."
"I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust," said Dr Gaby Bornheim after the election: "The tasks ahead of us are great, for example in decarbonization, in creating enthusiasm among young people for a career in shipping, but also in strengthening the competitiveness of Germany as a shipping location against the competition abroad."
The new VDR President emphasizes: "Together with the new federal government, VDR and its member companies will tackle these challenges quickly and proactively. The past year has shown us all: Germany needs shipping and well-functioning maritime trade routes. We will provide the impetus to continue to operate climate-friendly and competitive German maritime shipping in the future with excellently trained maritime and land-based personnel who are fit for the future."
You might also be interested in
VDR welcomes appointment of Dieter Janecek
The German Shipowners' Association (VDR) welcomes the appointment of Dieter Janecek (Alliance 90/The Greens) as the Federal Government's Maritime Coordinator.
read more...Training, competition, climate protection
VDR relies on the National Maritime Conference
In the run-up to the 12th National Maritime Conference (NMK), which began on May 10 in Rostock, the German Shipowners' Association (VDR) addressed the three most important topics from the shipping companies' point of view to the participants:...
read more...Lila Logistik expands management
Müller - Lila Logistik SE is expanding its Executive Board. In the future, Linus Linder as Chief Information Officer, Giritharan Sekar as Chief Technology Officer and Nikolaos Tsiberidis as Chief Operating Officer will assume responsibility at...
read more...Stephan Schärer becomes new CFO of Interroll
With Stephan Schärer, Interroll has gained an internationally experienced financial expert who will play a key role in shaping the strategic development of the company in the future.
read more...Element Logic: Carola Wagner new Vice President Professional Services
Element Logic has appointed Carola Wagner as Vice President of Professional Services, effective May 1, 2026. In her new role, Wagner will lead the company's Professional Services organization and further develop the skills needed to support...
read more...New Managing Director at LTW Intralogistics
Management change: Eberle leaves, Peter takes over
After decades at the helm, Konrad Eberle is retiring. Bernhard Peter will continue to manage the company alone in future.
read more...Ennen takes over New Business at Kardex Mlog
On January 1, Heinz Ennen took over the position of Head of New Business at Kardex Mlog. He succeeds Winnie Ahrens, who moved to the management board of the intralogistics specialist at the turn of the year.
read more...Hellmann expands cross-border e-commerce
Hellmann is strengthening its e-commerce business with the cross-border product "near", relying on the expertise of Jan Bierewirtz.
read more...Van de Noort becomes CSO EMEA at Lapp
On January 1, 2026, Ad van de Noort officially took over the role of CSO EMEA at the Lapp Group. He had been in charge of sales in the EMEA region on an interim basis since June 2025.
read more...