Hans Jakob Kruse, who served as chairman of Hapag-Lloyd’s executive board for two decades, died Tuesday in Hamburg.
Kruse, 84, was chairman from 1973 to 1993.
“Hapag-Lloyd is mourning the loss of a visionary and beloved chairman, whose substantial contribution shaped our company as well as the global shipping industry,” said Michael Behrendt, chairman of the executive board, in a news release. “He rendered outstanding services to our company, which will always be remembered.”
Kruse started his career in 1964 as a representative of Hapag and Norddeutscher Lloyd in Australia, and in 1967, returned to Germany as the head of Canada and Australia services. He was named a member of the executive board in 1969.
The company said he played a significant role in the merger of Hapag and Norddeutscher Lloyd and represented the company in various organizations in the transport and tourism industries.
After he retired, Kruse continued to contribute to the company, it said, and was involved in Hamburg politics.
Hapag-Lloyd’s Hans Kruse dies
