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Jakob Holbak

Director | Shipping | Logistics | INSEAD Global Executive MBA

Jakob Holbak has over 15 years of experience in the shipping & logistics industry and the military, with a background in a large international conglomerate, the Maersk Group, and as an officer in the Danish Army reserves.

He has gained international exposure through assignments in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Douala, Cameroon, which enriched his understanding of leadership in diverse cultural settings.

Currently serving as the director for the Far East to West Africa trade, Jakob oversees setting strategic directions, motivating teams, and ensuring target achievement, with a focus on P&L management, commercial strategies, asset deployment, and pricing.

His expertise lies in international leadership, corporate finance and strategy, capital allocation, investment decisions, and performance management.

Jakob holds degrees from Maersk International Shipping Education, Officer of the Reserve, Øregaard Gymnasium, INSEAD, Copenhagen Business School, and has completed the Maersk Graduate Acceleration Program.

In his career, he has served in various roles such as Regional Head of Ocean Management for Africa, Director Asia to West Africa, Trade Manager for Asia to West Africa, Chairman for SEADA, Chairman for AADA, Trade Manager for Asia to Australia, Country Manager for Cameroun, Chad, and Central African Republic, and Manager of Maersk International Shipping Education, among others.

Highlights

Jul 30 · linkedin

Dear All,

Everything has a number, and the end of June was my last day of employment with Maersk.

I have decided to try something else, shake things up and get out of my comfort zone. I look back at an incredible journey with great colleagues and travels to all parts of the world.

I have been based on 3 continents, 4 separate countries, head office, regional office and front office roles. Customers have helped me better understand what part they play in international commerce through visits to electronics factories, retail distribution centers, logistics hubs and deep sea ports.

I have loved my various roles and cherished each moment to further my own business understanding and deliver for customers and the company alike.

It has been an absolute pleasure, thank you for all of the opportunities afforded to me over the years. I wish Maersk all the best for the future, and I will continue to cheer from the sideline every time I see a blue container.

My next project is well underway, and I will communicate more later during the end of the year when we are ready to launch : )

All the best, Jakob

Jun 13 · linkedin

Great spending time with customers and colleagues in Lagos last week :)

It is motivating to see projects are moving forward in Nigeria!

A new airport has been built. A new deep sea water container terminal has opened. A new free trade trading zone is being established. The Dangote refinery is starting production in July which will add significant local value. And many entrepreneurs are working hard on digitizing the economy.

There are good reasons to be optimistic about the future of Nigeria. Maersk is investing and ready to make trade flow more smoothly.

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Jakob Holbak
Jakob Holbak, photo 1
Jakob Holbak, photo 2
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Location

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa