Niels Stolt-Nielsen is stepping down after 22 years as chief executive of the tanker and terminals group founded by his father Jacob.
The boss of Oslo-listed Stolt-Nielsen will become chairman as the company seeks fresh leadership.
The long-serving CEO will remain in the post until the search for a successor is concluded.
He first joined the family company in 1990, becoming a director in 1996 and then CEO in November 2000.
