Carl Steen will step down as head of shipping at Nordea Bank early next year, he confirms today.

Carl Steen.

Steen, who will turn 60 in 2011, will be replaced by New York high-flyer Hans Kjelsrud.

In an interview with TradeWinds, Steen said: “I will not be retired but I will step down from the position and try to live a quieter life.”

Greater involvement in his family’s car importing business and a chance to improve his golf handicap beyond its present “six point something” are among the projects Steen has lined up, he explains.

“I may also act as an advisor to some of my good friends,” he added. A number of directorships are also in the pipeline.

“I have been heading this division now at Nordea for 19 years and I think it is time to step down and let the younger people continue the journey," he said.

Steen jokes that having taken care of other people's money for so many years the time has come to pay more attention to his own funds.

“But I will still be in the industry for some time and I intend to stay active until the last day,” he added.