Bent Østergaard – 40th Anniversary in the Lauritzen Group

Bent Østergaard, CEO of the Lauritzen Foundation and LF Investment ApS and Chairman of the Boards of J. Lauritzen A/S and DFDS A/S, celebrates his 40th anniversary on 1 August.

Most recently, Bent Østergaard has been the architect behind the creation of the new, larger DFDS A/S, which following the acquisition of Norfolkline from A.P. Møller and final approval by the competition authorities this summer, is now one of the biggest sea-based transport and logistics networks in Europe.

When Bent Østergaard was taken on as a junior in the accounts department in 1970, it was probably more because of having grown up in Jutland and his time as a scout, bruises and all, since with his education as an accountant he was formally over-qualified for the job.

Having graduated in accountancy in 1971, his career started to pick up speed and over the years, Bent Østergaard has held a series of different posts including accounts manager, financial controller and chief financial officer. Between 1982–1985, Bent Østergaard was posted to a company subsidiary then based in Switzerland. Between 1989-90, he attended Cedep in France to supplement his degree.

In 1993, Bent Østergaard transferred to the parent company, J. Lauritzen Holding A/S, now LF Investment ApS, as CFO and was appointed CEO in 1996.

With 40 years of service in the Lauritzen Group behind him, Bent Østergaard has been close to the many changes that have affected the company as well as the whole Group. Manufacturing companies have been divested and shipyards closed. Under the chairmanship of Bent Østergaard, J. Lauritzen A/S has been through comprehensive changes and the company is now a market leader in bulkers, gas carriers and product tankers and advanced vessels for servicing the offshore industry. In addition to wholly-owned J. Lauritzen and the 36% holding in DFDS, the Foundation nowadays has venture holdings in companies engaged in oil analysis, measuring equipment, software, biotechnology and real estate – all examples of a farsighted approach and willingness to invest risk capital for the benefit of Danish enterprise in general and the shipping sector in particular.

Bent Østergaard is known for being a pleasant, genial person, whilst also being highly competitive. His smiling appearance should not be confused with any reluctance to be needle-sharp when required. Bent Østergaard has always enjoyed throwing himself into exciting new projects, as evidenced by his past, with his main interests including motor sport, skiing, mountain biking, tennis and fell walking. Bent Østergaard is married, with two adult children and two grandchildren.

His anniversary is being celebrated with a reception at Sankt Annæ Plads 28 on Friday 13 August 2010 from 15.00 - 17.00 hrs.

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Yours sincerely,
The Lauritzen Foundation

Jens Ditlev Lauritzen
Chairman