The Global Steering Committee

The mid 1980s saw a number of significant developments and innovations within Maersk, particularly in the use of information technology, but also in respect of the FEFC and its rights structure, as well as in Maersk Line’s approach to other trades. Although these did not necessarily materialise in a long series of record-breaking ships, they did result in a developmental blueprint for the business for much of the next ten years. A key driver was the challenge Ib Kruse set the global management team – to double the size of the business over a five-year period.

In November 1983, after a general business review, a new Global Steering Committee was established. Comprising Per Jørgensen (Asia), Ted Ruhly (United States), Karsten Borch (London) and chaired by Ib Kruse, the objective being to tap into the expertise and ideas that the new, stronger, locally based organisations in the 19 country offices were able to provide. These offices, which were close to the customers, were at a point where their knowledge and expertise meant more involvement would be sought from them.