YoungShip Rotterdam, a professional non-profit organization for young people working within the global maritime industry, announced today the appointment of Nicholas Serritslev as its Chairman succeeding Charles Sassen who has stepped down from the role effective February 2021.
Nicholas Serritslev commenced his role as Chair of the Board effective February 1, 2021 replacing Charles Sassen who had held the role since 2017. Mr. Serritslev currently is responsible for Reefer Sales at MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company based in Rotterdam.
“Charles has been an ever-present figure and leader in the maritime community, and I look forward to building on what he has developed for YoungShip Rotterdam. Everyone in YoungShip would like to thank him for his efforts and hope to see him in the future at our events,” commented Mr. Serritslev.
As chairman, Mr. Sassen has elevated the reputation, reach and network of YoungShip across the Rotterdam region. He has led numerous initiatives for YoungShip to participate in community activities such as the beach and river cleanup. He has driven the educational mission of YoungShip by building strong partnerships with local universities and arranging lectures together with them, such as with Erasmus University.
Michiel Spitzer, Member of the YoungShip Advisory Board, “I got to know Charles as an inspiring leader and a true ambassador for diversity and sustainability. His positive attitude and drive to think big has enabled YoungShip Rotterdam to grow, and to connect the broad community of young maritime professionals in the Rotterdam region. It was a pleasure to see Charles, and the entire board for that matter, organize well attended, knowledge-driven events with room for socializing and networking. I wish Charles all the best with the next step in his career.”
Mr. Sassen commented, “I step down from my role at YoungShip with a heavy heart. Leading the organization over the past years has been a distinct pleasure and I will most surely miss it. That said, I could not imagine a better Chairman to be taking over the reins; Nicholas’s strong personality, rich experience both as a member of YoungShip and serving on its board position him well to lead the organization moving forward.”
YoungShip Rotterdam, The Netherlands based chapter of YoungShip International, provides networking, learning, and community engagement opportunities for young maritime professionals in the Rotterdam area. Founded in 2004 in Norway, YoungShip International has grown steadily over the past 16 years with over 3,000 global members.