Long-serving Hamburg Sud executive Poul Hestbaek is to take over as chief executive of the liner shipping company.

Hestbaek will take over from Arnt Vestermann who is leaving after more than 20 years.

Currently chief commercial officer, Hestbaek has been with the Hamburg-based company since 2004.

The 59-year-old shipping veteran will take over the company at the end of March.