Star Bulk Carriers executive Herman Billung is to join newcastlemax owner 2020 Bulkers as its CEO in February.

He will succeed Magnus Halvorsen, who has resigned.

Billung, who has worked in C-suite positions for big-name bulker companies for over 30 years, will also act as chief executive for sister company Himalaya Shipping.

Like 2020 Bulkers, Himalaya was founded and backed by investor Tor Olav Troim.