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Jesper Kristensen Takes the Helm as Group CEO of Synergy Marine, Charting the Course for Continued Success

Updated:
Mar 26, 2025
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Published:
Mar 25, 2025
  • Kristensen is stepping into the group CEO role in order to lead Synergy in its era of transformation and will focus on continuing to develop the global operational footprint. He brings unparalleled expertise in shipping, outsourcing and running highly efficient customer-oriented global operations, after 34 years at Unifeeder, where he was Group CEO for 17 years.
  • As Synergy’s leadership framework evolves, founder Captain Rajesh Unni will continue to guide the strategic direction and customer-centric vision of the organisation.

Singapore – March 25, 2025 – Synergy Marine Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jesper Kristensen as its new Group CEO, effective March 24, 2025. With a dynamic vision to balance global operations, Mr. Kristensen is stepping into the Group CEO role and will lead Synergy in its era of transformation, with focus on continuing to expand the global operational footprint. With 34 years of experience at Unifeeder, where he was Group CEO for 17 years, he brings unparalleled expertise in shipping, outsourcing and running highly efficient customer-oriented global operations.

Mr. Kristensen scaled Unifeeder into a $1 billion business, championing organizational change. “I’m here to build a true global operation,” he said. “My primary focus is ensuring safety, enhancing the capabilities of our ship and shore teams, and maintaining reliable operations as we steer Synergy towards a successful future”.

Mathavan Subbiah, CEO – Marine Services & Corporate Functions, will step up to the board of directors, and said “As I transition to the board, I look forward to focusing on the strategic direction of Synergy. I am pleased to welcome Jesper to the organisation and am confident he will lead with distinction.”

Captain Rajesh Unni will continue to guide Synergy’s long-term strategic direction, saying that “Jesper and I are fully aligned on our vision for the company. This is part of our plan that we set out to achieve many years ago. We are combining our strengths to lead Synergy into its next era. To our customers and teams—Synergy remains your trusted partner, stronger than ever.”

The global maritime industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This leadership evolution is part of Synergy’s strategy to continue to excel in this dynamic market, elevating customer value and strengthening its people-first legacy. Under Jesper’s vision and leadership, Synergy Marine Group aims to accelerate its digital transformation and deepen its commitment to environmental sustainability. This will power the emergence of a Next-Gen Synergy – agile, digitally enabled, and committed to shaping a sustainable maritime future.

Jesper Kristensen appointed as Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, March 2025
Jesper Kristensen, newly appointed Group CEO of Synergy Marine Group, brings over three decades of global leadership experience in shipping and operations.

About Synergy Marine Group
Synergy is a leading third party ship manager, managing nearly 700 vessels and pioneering digitization and decarbonization from Singapore. Founded by Captain Rajesh Unni and now led by Jesper Kristensen as Group CEO, Synergy shapes maritime excellence.

Media Contact:
Vishal Srivastava,
Head – Corporate Communications,
Synergy Marine Group
+91 8754536564
vishal.s@synergyship.com

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Getting to Zero

Synergy Marine Group is a member of The Getting to Zero Coalition, dedicated to launching zero-emission deep-sea vessels by 2030 and achieving full decarbonisation by 2050. The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, founded and manages the Coalition.

MACN

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global initiative striving for a corruption-free maritime industry, promoting fair trade for the greater societal good.

INTERCARGO

Synergy Marine Group is a part of INTERCARGO, an association championing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly shipping. INTERCARGO collaborates with the International Maritime Organization and other global entities to shape maritime legislation.

IMEC

Synergy Marine Group is part of IMEC, a top maritime employers’ group championing fair and sustainable labor practices. Representing global employers, IMEC negotiates seafarers’ wages and conditions, and invests in workforce development.

IMPA

Synergy Marine Group is involved in IMPA Save’s initiative to reduce single-use water bottles at sea. The IMPA SAVE council comprises top global shipowners and suppliers, representing over 8000 vessels with significant combined purchasing influence.

All Aboard

Synergy Marine Group is a key participant in The All Aboard Alliance’s Diversity@Sea initiative. As one of eleven prominent maritime companies, we aim to foster inclusivity at sea and directly address challenges faced by women seafarers.

CSSF

Synergy Marine Group is part of the Container Ship Safety Forum (CSSF), a global B2B network dedicated to enhancing safety and management standards in the container shipping sector.

Danish Shipping

Synergy Marine Group is affiliated with Danske Rederier, the primary industry and employers’ association for Danish shipping—Denmark’s top export sector. Danske Rederier actively engages with authorities and policymakers both domestically and globally.