Ex-Maersk chief operating officer Soren Toft has confirmed his departure from the Danish boxship giant to take on a new role as chief executive.
But he is not yet naming his new employer.
Maersk revealed on Monday that Toft was leaving, but has not commented further ahead of its financial results.
There was speculation in Denmark that the brief wording of Maersk's statement and Toft's immediate departure indicated that he had landed a top job at a rival.
Toft told the Borsen daily: "I have to be a CEO and now have the opportunity. There is an opportunity that I have thought about for a long, long time."
Smile on his lips
"I have been incredibly happy with my time in Maersk, but at the same time have felt that I would like to try my hand at this challenge.
"I leave Maersk happy and with a smile on my lips."
The role is a big one, he added, saying that he would reveal all next week.
Toft, 45, played a key role in integrating German line Hamburg Sud and had been very focused on finding new sustainable fuel sources for the group.
Maersk group chief executive Soren Skou, an experienced containership man, will take on the role of COO while a successor is found.
The executive board has now been trimmed to Skou, chief financial officer Carolina Dybeck Happe, chief commercial officer Vincent Clerc and Morten Engelstoft, chief executive of APM Terminals.
