Hapag-Lloyd’s COO Maximilian Rothkopf to step down in June 2026, remain as advisor
The Supervisory Board thanked Dr. Rothkopf for his contribution and wished him well for the future.
GERMANY – Dr. Maximilian Rothkopf will step down as Chief Operating Officer of Hapag-Lloyd AG by mutual agreement on 30 June 2026 and will remain with the company in an advisory role for a transitional period.
Dr. Rothkopf joined the Group Executive Board on 1 May 2019 and assumed operational responsibility for the company’s global shipping business as COO on 1 July 2019.
Fleet Modernization and Decarbonization
Karl Gernandt, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Hapag-Lloyd AG, stated that Dr. Rothkopf played a role in the modernization and gradual decarbonization of the company’s fleet. He added that the company now operates approximately 300 ships with a capacity of about 2.5 million TEU.
During his tenure, Rothkopf was instrumental in modernizing the fleet and spearheading environmental sustainability initiatives, including investments in alternative fuels and energy-efficient vessel designs.
A modernized fleet with lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency translates to more reliable transit schedules for refrigerated cargo and potentially lower carbon surcharges for perishable shipments.
Strategic Realignment and Successor Planning
Gernandt also noted Dr. Rothkopf’s involvement in the company’s strategic realignment and improvements in operational performance. The Supervisory Board thanked Dr. Rothkopf for his contribution and wished him well for the future.
On the other hand, the company’s Supervisory Board has formally recognized his contributions to operational growth and strategic improvements. A successor will be appointed later.
Advisory Role and Transition
Although Rothkopf is stepping down from his primary role, he will temporarily serve as an advisor to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities.
Moreover, this official announcement highlights a carefully planned shift in the firm’s top-level management structure, designed to maintain continuity during the leadership transition.
For logistics investors and supply chain managers, Hapag-Lloyd’s planned COO transition signals stability rather than disruption.
Additionally, Rothkopf’s advisory role ensures continuity for ongoing fleet modernization and decarbonization projects. The company’s 300-ship fleet operating at 2.5 million TEU capacity remains a critical asset for global perishable trade lanes.
Ultimately, the carefully planned handover reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining operational excellence during leadership changes.
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